Definition:Collapse of trachea on expiration resulting in more than 10% to 20% obstruction of airway
What The Referring Physician Needs To Know- Mild cases often do not require treatment, often resolve within first 1 to 2 years of life
- Tracheostomy with long-term positive airway pressure ventilation may be indicated in severe airway obstruction with tracheal collapse
- Surgical decompression of trachea may lead to significant improvement in cases of vascular compression
- Endoscopy is used to provide diagnosis, assess severity of tracheomalacia, exclude other lesions
- Rigid bronchoscopy may evaluate degree of tracheobronchial tree collapse, document presence of associated congenital airway anomalies
- Severely symptomatic children may require treatment with continuous positive airway pressure, placement of endotracheal stent, surgical resection or “pexy” procedure
