A person then either swallows or spits out the mucus. The trachea runs parallel to the esophagus and lies just in front of it. The back of the trachea is softer to allow the esophagus to expand when a person is eating. Due to their proximity, a small piece of cartilage in the larynx automatically covers the opening of the trachea to prevent food or drink from getting into it when the person is eating. If food or drink do get into the trachea, this typically causes the person to cough.
If a piece of food is particularly large, it could become trapped in the trachea and obstruct breathing. The primary function of the trachea is to transport air to and from the lungs. Without a trachea, a person would not be able to breathe.
In addition to transporting air, the trachea helps defend against disease. The mucus in the trachea helps capture microorganisms such as viruses and harmful bacteria before they enter the lungs. On cold days, the trachea helps warm and provide humidity to the air before it reaches the lungs. Various health conditions can affect the trachea. In serious cases, a person may have trouble breathing and require immediate medical attention. If coughing or shortness of breath is a persistent concern without a clear cause, speak with a doctor.
It also helps prevent microorganisms, debris, and air that is too cold or too hot from entering the lungs. If a person is having trouble breathing, a health problem may be affecting their trachea, and they should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Depending on the severity, location, length and cause of tracheal stenosis, treatment options will vary. Some of the most common surgical options include the following:. Tracheomalacia is a condition in which the cartilage in the wall of the trachea softens resulting in a floppy or weak airway that collapses with breathing and makes breathing difficult.
Tracheomalacia has multiple causes. Infants may be born with the disorder, or adults may develop it later on in life. The most common causes of tracheomalacia include:. However, patients who suffer from frequent respiratory infections should be closely monitored.
Their options for treatment may include the following:. After completing a medical history and general physical examination, the physician may perform one or more of the following procedures to determine whether there might be tracheal stenosis or tracheomalacia present:.
Updated visitor guidelines. Tracheal Disease. Types of Tracheal Disease The two most common tracheal disorders are tracheal stenosis and tracheomalacia: Tracheal Stenosis Tracheal stenosis is narrowing of the trachea, and as such narrowing occurs, it is more difficult to draw air into the lungs.
Causes Tracheal stenosis is most commonly caused by inflammation and scarring that follows intubation, insertion of a breathing tube into the trachea during surgery, or when there is the need for mechanical ventilation respirator.
However, a patient with tracheal stenosis may present with: Asthma wheezing Bluish tint to skin color, or in the mucous membrane of nose or mouth Coughing or hoarseness Coughing up blood Difficulty breathing Frequent cases of pneumonia or other upper respiratory infections Respiratory distress Shortness of breath Stridor, or high-pitched breathing sound Treatment Depending on the severity, location, length and cause of tracheal stenosis, treatment options will vary.
Some of the most common surgical options include the following: Bronchoscopic tracheal dilation: Through a bronchoscope a light used to examine the inside of the airway , a balloon or tracheal dilator is used to widen stretch the trachea, providing immediate relief of the airway obstruction and allowing the thoracic surgeon to precisely identify the extent and severity of the narrowing.
Treatments may include:. In addition to using some of the surgical procedures listed above, your physician may treat your tumor using some of the following therapies:. When you become a patient of The Lung Center you will meet with many members of the team who will carefully review your medical history and conduct a thorough diagnostic evaluation. You will receive a recommendation for a therapy tailored just for you, based on your specific disorder and other factors, as well as comprehensive monitoring.
Patients with tracheal disorders benefit from the wide range of expertise at The Lung Center. Collaboration between thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, otolaryngologists, radiologists, respiratory and speech therapists and other specialists and other specialists ensures comprehensive evaluation and effective treatment. If your medical team discovers an underlying illness or concern, you will be referred to a BWH physician for an expert evaluation. Any surgery recommended will be performed by an experienced, board-certified thoracic surgeon, interventional pulmonologist or interventional radiologist who is an expert in tracheal disorders, in collaboration with the treatment team that including nurses and physician assistants who specialize in caring for patients with tracheal disorders.
Your surgeon will also collaborate with pulmonologists and otolaryngologists to tailor a treatment plan for you. Our specialized care team has some of the best results in the country. Search our A to Z guide to locate general information about lung diseases, conditions, treatments, and clinical programs at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
For over a century, a leader in patient care, medical education and research, with expertise in virtually every specialty of medicine and surgery. Stay Informed. Connect with us. Tracheal Disorders. What are the types of tracheal disorders? Types of tumors include: Benign: pleomorphic adenoma, squamous cell papilloma, chondroma, granular cell tumor, glomus tumor, neurofibroma Malignant: adenoid cystic carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, malignant epithelial tumor, carcinoid tumor, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, small cell and non-small cell lung cancer Other tracheal disorders managed by The Lung Center include tracheo-esophageal fistula, an abnormal connection fistula between the esophagus and the trachea, and tracheobronchomalacia, a rare condition that occurs when the airway walls are weak, leading them to narrow or collapse.
What are the causes of tracheal disorders? Tracheal Stenosis The most common cause of tracheal stenosis is intubation, when a patient has had a breathing tube inserted into the trachea for surgery or other medical procedures.
Tracheal Stenosis Many patients do not experience any symptoms of tracheal stenosis. Tracheal Stenosis In addition to a careful physical examination, The Lung Center team may perform the following procedures to determine if your symptoms are caused by tracheal stenosis: Pulmonary Function Test measures how well the lungs work.
CT scan uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce horizontal, or axial, images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat and organs. Dynamic 3D chest CT scan takes a closer look at the area of stenosis while the patient inhales and exhales to outline the structures for surgical planning. Chest X-ray uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs on film or digital media.
Bronchoscopy uses a bronchoscope to examine the inside of the trachea, bronchi air passages that lead to the lungs Tracheomalacia After taking your medical history and performing a careful physical examination, The Lung Center team may perform the following procedures to confirm a diagnosis of tracheal stenosis or tracheomalacia: 6-minute walk test measures the distance an individual can walk over a period of 6 minutes on a hard, flat surface to determine functional exercise capacity.
Advanced cardiopulmonary exercise testing uses catheters during exercise treadmill or stationary cycling to measure heart and lung function. Bronchoscopy uses a bronchoscope to examine the inside of the trachea, bronchi air passages that lead to the lungs. It allows for precise diagnosis of the problem and measurement of the area affected to determine the best possible therapy options.
Laryngoscopy allows your doctor to examine the back of your throat, larynx and vocal cords using a scope laryngoscope.
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