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.
There are two types of tracheal stenosis:
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.
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).
Apnea (pausing while breathing)
Chest congestion
Noisy breathing
Wheezing