Tracheomalacia occurs when the cartilage in the windpipe, or trachea, has not developed properly or was damaged, so instead of being rigid, the walls of the trachea are floppy or flaccid. The cartilage cannot keep the windpipe open, making breathing difficult — especially when breathing out (exhaling).
Tracheoplasty: A surgical procedure that provides support to the weak/floppy trachea, preventing its collapse during breathing.
Overview. Tracheomalacia is a rare condition that happens when the cartilage of the windpipe, or trachea, is soft, weak and floppy. This can cause the tracheal wall to collapse and block the airway, making it hard to breathe.
The most common sign of tracheal collapse is a persistent, harsh and dry cough, sometimes described as a “goose-honking” cough. The signs may progress to a wheezing noise when breathing in, or in severe cases, difficulty breathing, gums or tongue turning blue, or fainting.
Tracheomalacia can be mild enough to not need any treatment. It can also be moderate or severe (life-threatening). Most children with this condition will either outgrow it by the time they turn 2 or have symptoms that are not severe enough to need surgery.
Acquired tracheomalacia, if severely symptomatic, can be treated by internal stenting, external stenting, or tracheostomy. The use of various types of tubes and stents for the management of tracheomalacia is helpful. Reports exist of success with Montgomery and Dumon tubes in the literature.
Surgical options include: Aortopexy. This safe and reliable procedure provides immediate and permanent relief of some types of severe tracheomalacia. This surgery opens up the trachea by moving up the aorta (the body's main blood vessel) and attaching it to the back of the breastbone (sternum).
Tracheomalacia ranges in severity, from mild to life-threatening. The condition is curable with treatment. People with severe tracheomalacia will likely need surgery. Tracheomalacia is an uncommon condition that causes your windpipe to fall in on itself.
Strengthen cartilage by feeding bone broth. Supplement with natural sources of glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid to support cartilage. Honey is a great cough suppressant and helps the immune system. A dab of honey given with meals and also when coughing fits occur can be helpful.
Only at its most severe stage is the condition life-threatening. Although there's no cure, a collapsed trachea can be managed with medication, lifestyle adjustments, and sometimes surgery.
Symptoms of collapsing trachea may be worse at night, when your dog is excited, or immediately after eating and drinking. Humid weather, smoke inhalation, and pressure on the throat from a collar may also trigger coughing fits. If the trachea is completely blocked, your dog may develop signs of being in severe pain.
Collapsing trachea is a debilitating respiratory disease process recognized predominately in miniature or toy breeds (Pomeranian, miniature and toy poodle, Yorkshire terrier, Chihuahuas, pug). The condition is reported in dogs of all ages, with the average being 7 years.
Symptoms will often increase or get worse over the first few months after diagnosis, usually between 4-8 months of age. Most children outgrow the noisy breathing (stridor) by 12-18 months of age. Other associated symptoms include: Poor weight gain.
Most dogs with tracheal collapse can be treated with medications and preventative care, such as weight loss, using a harness for walks, and avoiding airway irritants. Once the vet makes a diagnosis, they may prescribe medication to manage coughing and inflammation.
Recovery of Tracheal Collapse in Dogs
It may take a few months for the condition to dissipate in most of the treatments except for surgery.
Babies with tracheomalacia must be closely monitored when they have respiratory infections. Often, the symptoms of tracheomalacia improve as the infant grows. Rarely, surgery is needed.
Tracheomalacia is a potentially life-threatening, but a rare complication of thyroidectomy. In previous studies, the incidence rate was very different.
Tracheomalacia is an airway disorder where the trachea (windpipe) is floppy or abnormally collapsible. Sometimes the main bronchial tubes (airways in the lungs) are also abnormally floppy and the broader term tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is used.
Collapsing trachea is a progressive disease, as the tracheal cartilage can continue to deteriorate over time despite treatment. Even pets who have surgery for the condition often need medications for life.
The primary goal of laryngotracheal reconstruction surgery is to establish a permanent, stable airway for you or your child to breathe through without the use of a breathing tube. Surgery can also improve voice and swallowing issues.
Also known as tracheobronchomalacia, this problem occurs when a child's airway narrows or collapses when they breathe. This can result in a number of symptoms, ranging from noisy breathing and a barking cough to recurrent pneumonia and even cyanosis (blue spells).
How Is Tracheomalacia Diagnosed? Tracheomalacia can be suspected based on history and physical exam. It can sometimes be seen with certain types of X-rays, including CT scan of the Chest or Airway Fluoroscopy. Diagnosis is confirmed with Direct Laryngoscopy/Bronchoscopy and/ or with Flexible Bronchoscopy.
Tracheomalacia is associated with many childhood syndromes (i.e. Ehlers Danlos syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia) and congenital diseases (i.e. tracheoesophageal fistula, double aortic arch) that weaken or compress the trachea.
Most infants with primary or isolated tracheomalacia outgrow the condition by 18 months of age. Secondary tracheomalacia occurs as a result of another coexisting condition.