Airway Stenosis

Airway stenosis is a narrowing of the airway that can occur in different parts of the respiratory tract, including:

• Glottic stenosis: Narrowing at the level of the vocal cords
• Subglottic stenosis: Narrowing below the vocal cords
• Tracheal stenosis: Narrowing in the trachea (windpipe)

The severity of the symptoms of airway stenosis depends on the degree of narrowing. In severe cases, a tracheostomy may be necessary to provide a way to breathe.

What causes airway stenosis?

In children, the most common cause of airway stenosis is damage to the airway from being intubated and connected to a ventilator. This can lead to scarring and narrowing of the airway. Airway stenosis can also be present at birth.

In adults, in addition to the above causes, trauma or tumors can also lead to airway stenosis. Patients who have been intubated at some point in their life and are subsequently treated for chronic asthma and shortness of breath should be evaluated for airway stenosis.

How is airway stenosis treated?

The treatment for airway stenosis depends on the location and severity of the narrowing. Treatment options include:

• Balloon dilation: A balloon is used to widen the narrowed airway.
• Bougie dilation: A bougie, which is a thin, flexible tube, is used to widen the narrowed airway.
• Surgery: The narrowed section of the airway may be removed or widened using various surgical techniques.

Airway diseases and their treatment can be a challenging and demanding process for both patients and their families, as well as for doctors. It is important to be followed and treated by a doctor who specializes in this area.

Images of some of our patients who have undergone open airway surgery to treat airway stenosis: