Tracheomalacia (tray-key-oh-muh-LAY-shuh) is the collapse or falling in of the trachea. The trachea, also called the windpipe, is the tube that brings air from the mouth and nose to the lungs. Firm rings made of cartilage hold the windpipe open during breathing. Tracheomalacia occurs most often in babies, when the cartilage in the windpipe has not developed as it should. This soft cartilage makes the windpipe floppy, so it’s not stiff enough to keep the airway open.
Another cause of tracheomalacia is when a blood vessel presses on the windpipe so that it can’t open enough with breathing. Less often, tracheomalacia affects older children and adults.
Tracheomalacia can be life-threatening and make it difficult to breathe. Trouble breathing can make it hard to be active. Also, the collapse can cause repeated airway and lung infections.
Your child may not need treatment if tracheomalacia symptoms are mild. Symptoms sometimes improve on their own as a child grows and the windpipe gets stronger. If symptoms are more serious and limit a child’s quality of life, medicine, therapy and surgery can help.
