Airway Stenosis

Airway stenosis is a narrowing in the airway that obstructs the passage of air into the lungs. A child may be born with this condition when the trachea does not properly form while in the womb. Airway stenosis can also be caused by an external injury to the throat or chest, a chronic inflammatory disease (such as papillomatosis, Wegener's granulomatosis, amyloidosis or sarcoidosis), certain infections (including tuberculosis), noncancerous or cancerous tumors that press against the trachea and restrict the normal flow of air or radiation therapy of the neck or chest.

Tracheal stenosis and subglottic stenosis are two types of airway stenosis. Tracheal stenosis is a narrowing of the windpipe (trachea) that can occur due to radiation therapy, prolonged use of a breathing tube or other factors. Subglottic stenosis (SGS) is a narrowing of the airway immediately below the vocal cords (subglottis), at the level of the cricoid cartilage and above the trachea.

Symptoms of airway stenosis include:

Stridor (noisy breathing)
Wheezing
Hoarseness
Shortness of breath
Respiratory distress

Diagnosis of Airway Stenosis

Your child's doctor can diagnose airway stenosis by running one or more of the following tests:

X-ray. The doctor may use an X-ray to closely examine the chest and windpipe.
Computed tomography (CT) scan. The doctor may order a CT scan to closely examine the neck and chest.
Laryngoscopy. In this endoscopic (minimally invasive) procedure, the doctor uses a small scope to examine the larynx (voice box), back of the throat and vocal folds, checking for narrowing or other abnormalities.
Bronchoscopy. The doctor may use this endoscopic procedure to examine the trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (branches to the lungs).

Treatments

If your child has airway stenosis, the doctor will likely need to perform surgery to open up the narrowed area to help him or her breathe easier. Depending on your child’s condition and specific situation, the doctor may recommend an endoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery which involves using instruments to open up the stenosis. Sometimes open surgery may be needed to correct the stenosis, which can involve either opening up the narrowed area with a graft or stent (known as expansion surgery) or by removing the obstructed area (known as resection surgery).

Key Points to Remember

Airway stenosis is a narrowing in the airway that obstructs the passage of air into the lungs.
A child may be born with this condition, or it can be caused by trauma, a chronic inflammatory disease, infection or cancer.
Symptoms of airway stenosis include noisy breathing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
Treatment for airway stenosis involves opening up the stenosis through either an endoscopic or open surgical procedure.

Support Services & Resources

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MedlinePlus

Read more about tracheal disorders, including tracheal stenosis, on this U.S. National Library of Medicine website.

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