Tracheomalacia

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Lungs

People with tracheomalacia must be monitored closely when they have respiratory infections. Most infants respond well to humidified air, physical therapy, careful feedings, and antibiotics for infections.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may be necessary for adults with respiratory distress. Rarely, surgery is needed. In the case of acquired tracheomalacia, the placement of a stent to hold the airway open may be necessary.

Congenital tracheomalacia generally resolves on its own by the age of 18-24 months. As the tracheal cartilage strengthens and the trachea grows, the noisy respirations and breathing difficulties gradually stop.

Babies born with tracheomalacia may have other congenital abnormalities such as heart defects, developmental delay, or gastroesophageal reflux.

Aspiration pneumonia can occur from inhaling food contents.

Call your health care provider if you or your child breathe in an abnormal manner. It can become an urgent or emergency condition.

Review Date: 10/25/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, M.D., FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.