Tracheomalacia

Q: Tracheomalacia (TM) causes airway narrowing during? (select one)

A) expiration

B) inspiration

Answer: A

Tracheomalacia (TM) is a generalized term for expiratory central airway collapse (ECAC). It can be purely TM, bronchomalacia (BM), tracheobronchomalacia (TBM), or excessive (or expiratory) dynamic airway collapse of the posterior membrane (EDAC).

Treatment is mostly conservative with breathing techniques and pulmonary rehabilitation, but in persistent cases, it may require stent - and, in severe cases, surgery.

#pulmonary

References:

1. Yang D, Cascella M. Tracheomalacia. 2022 Jul 9. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31985984.

2. Kugler C, Stanzel F. Tracheomalacia. Thorac Surg Clin. 2014 Feb;24(1):51-58. doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2013.09.003. PMID: 24295659.