Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Murine Intrapulmonary Tracheal Transplantation: A Model for Investigating Obliterative Airway Disease After Lung Transplantation
06:15

Murine Intrapulmonary Tracheal Transplantation: A Model for Investigating Obliterative Airway Disease After Lung Transplantation

Published on: November 10, 2023

Tracheomalacia and tracheobronchomalacia in children and adults: an in-depth review

Kelly A Carden1, Philip M Boiselle, David A Waltz

  • 1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02446, USA.

Chest
|March 15, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Tracheomalacia and tracheobronchomalacia are airway disorders affecting children and adults. This review covers their history, causes, diagnosis, and current treatments like stents and surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Medicine
  • Pulmonology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Tracheomalacia and tracheobronchomalacia are airway disorders affecting both pediatric and adult populations.
  • Despite increased recognition, uncertainties persist regarding their identification, etiology, and management.
  • These conditions involve weakness of the trachea and/or bronchi, leading to airway collapse.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive review of tracheomalacia and tracheobronchomalacia in both pediatric and adult patients.
  • To consolidate current knowledge on the historical aspects, classification, associated conditions, histopathology, and natural history of these disorders.
  • To summarize diagnostic modalities and state-of-the-art treatments, including surgical interventions and airway stent placement.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on tracheomalacia and tracheobronchomalacia.
  • Analysis of historical data, epidemiological trends, and clinical case studies.
  • Evaluation of diagnostic techniques and therapeutic outcomes from published studies.

Main Results:

  • The review details the historical evolution of understanding these conditions.
  • It classifies the disorders and discusses associated pathologies and their natural progression.
  • Current diagnostic tools and advanced treatment options, including surgical and interventional procedures, are presented.

Conclusions:

  • Tracheomalacia and tracheobronchomalacia are complex airway diseases requiring a multidisciplinary approach.
  • Accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the pathophysiology and optimize management protocols.

More Related Videos

Heterotopic and Orthotopic Tracheal Transplantation in Mice used as Models to Study the Development of Obliterative Airway Disease09:10

Heterotopic and Orthotopic Tracheal Transplantation in Mice used as Models to Study the Development of Obliterative Airway Disease

Published on: January 20, 2010

Related Concept Videos

Trachea01:22

Trachea

The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a vital part of the human respiratory system. It serves as a passageway for air to travel between the larynx and the bronchi, allowing oxygen to reach the lungs. Let's explore its anatomical features, dimensions, layers of the tracheal wall, associated muscles, and the functions of its parts.
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of the...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract01:31

Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract

The lower respiratory tract is anatomically composed of several vital structures, including the larynx, trachea, bronchial tree, alveoli, lungs, and pleurae. Each component has a specific function, and all are intricately connected to ensure efficient respiration.
The Larynx
It is located between the pharynx and the trachea, acts as a passageway for air, and hosts several critical structures, such as the epiglottis, vocal cords, and glottis. The epiglottis acts as a gateway, guiding food to the...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema

Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation