Pediatric tracheal stenosis

What is pediatric tracheal stenosis?

Pediatric tracheal stenosis occurs when a child’s trachea (windpipe) is narrowed or constricted.

• Children with mild forms of tracheal stenosis can sometimes outgrow the condition.

• Children with more severe tracheal stenosis will require surgery to widen the trachea.

What are the different types of pediatric tracheal stenosis?

There are two types of tracheal stenosis:

1. Congenital tracheal stenosis occurs when a child is born with tracheal stenosis because the support system of the child’s trachea form incorrectly during development, causing airway narrowing.

2. Acquired tracheal stenosis occurs from an injury to the trachea, or from scar tissue due to airway surgery or prolonged intubation (plastic tubing in the trachea to assist breathing).

What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric tracheal stenosis?

• Apnea (pausing while breathing)

• Chest congestion

• Noisy breathing

• Recurrent pneumonia

• Wheezing