Tracheomalacia

Tracheomalacia is a rare congenital (present at birth) condition in which the walls of the windpipe (trachea) are weak and loose instead of rigid. As a result, breathing difficulties begin soon after birth. Babies born with tracheomalacia may also develop heart defects, developmental delay or gastroesophageal reflux. The cause of this condition is unknown.

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.

Treatments

Treatment for tracheomalacia includes:

Humidified air. Humidified air in the home makes breathing easier for your child.
Slower feedings. Taking care when feeding your child can help to avoid aspiration (breathing food into the lungs).
Surgery. In rare cases, surgery—such as a tracheostomy—may be needed to correct the condition.

Most of the time, the symptoms of tracheomalacia can be controlled and will improve as your child grows older.

Key Points to Remember

Tracheomalacia is a rare congenital (present at birth) condition in which the walls of the windpipe (trachea) are weak and loose.
The main symptoms of this condition are noisy breathing and breathing noises that change with position.
Your child’s doctor may order an X-ray to diagnose tracheomalacia.
Most of the time, children with this condition improve with age. In rare cases, surgery may be required.

Support Services & Resources

Visit the trusted websites below for more information and support for tracheomalacia.

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

MedlinePlus

Read more about tracheomalacia on this U.S. National Library of Medicine website.

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