Tracheomalacia

Tracheomalacia is a rare congenital (present at birth) condition in which the walls of the windpipe (trachea) are weak and loose. The cause of this condition is unknown.

Symptoms of tracheomalacia include:

• Breathing noises that can change with position and can improve during sleep
• Breathing problems that worsen with coughing, crying, feeding or upper respiratory infections
• Breathing that is low-pitched
• Breathing that is rattling or noisy

Diagnosis of Tracheomalacia

Doctors at Riley at IU Health may perform the following exams and tests to diagnose tracheomalacia:

• Physical exam. The doctor will listen for the low-pitched or noisy breathing associated with the condition.
• X-ray. The doctor may order an X-ray of the chest, which may reveal a narrowing of the trachea when breathing in if your child has tracheomalacia.
• 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 cords, checking for narrowing or other abnormalities.
• Bronchoscopy. The doctor may use a bronchoscope to check the airways and lungs. A bronchoscope is a flexible tube that is equipped with a camera. The doctor inserts the bronchoscope into your child's mouth or nose and then down the windpipe. 
• Pulmonary function test. The doctor may order a pulmonary function test to check the function of your child’s lungs.