Airway stenosis is a narrowing in the airway that blocks air from getting from the mouth and nose to the lungs. It can happen for a few different reasons.

There are a few types of airway stenosis, depending on where the narrowing occurs. Subglottic stenosis is a narrowing below the vocal cords and above the trachea. Tracheal stenosis is a narrowing of the trachea, or the windpipe, which leads from the voice box to the airways in the lungs.

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What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Airway Stenosis?

  • Noisy breathing
  • Trouble breathing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Hoarseness
  • Trouble swallowing or eating
     

What Causes Airway Stenosis?

Airway stenosis can have many causes:

  • A problem with the shape of the airway that a child is born with
  • Prolonged use of a breathing tube
  • Tumors (cancerous or not cancerous)
  • Certain autoimmune conditions, such as Wegener’s granulomatosis
  • Swallowing a caustic substance, such as laundry detergent
  • An external injury to the throat
  • Scar tissue
  • Infection

How is Airway Stenosis Treated?

The options to treat airway stenosis may vary depending on the cause of the problem and how severe it is.

  • Airway stenting uses a mesh-like tube to keep the airway open.
  • Widening of the trachea can be done using a small balloon or dilator to expand the airway.
  • Laser surgery can remove scar tissue that is causing stenosis.
  • A full tracheal resection and reconstruction involves removing the damaged section of the trachea and joining the remaining ends.

Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan if your child requires treatment for airway stenosis.