Tracheal Obstruction

Tracheal obstruction is narrowing of the tracheal airway due to tumor (primary/laryngeal/thyroid/metastatic), infection (TB/diphtheria), foreign body, stenosis (post-intubation/trauma), or external compression, presenting with stridor, dyspnea, cough, and dysphagia. Treatment: secure airway (oxygen/intubation/tracheostomy if needed); urgent bronchoscopy to diagnose/relieve; stenting/laser dilation/ablation for malignant/benign obstruction; surgical resection for primary tracheal tumor; treat infection; oncology/radiation for malignancy; monitor closely for complete obstruction.

Common Symptoms

Stridor; dyspnea/cough; dysphagia; by tumor/stenosis/infection/foreign body

Causes and Pathogenesis

Intraluminal/extrinsic causes reduce tracheal airway caliber and airflow.

Treatment

Secure airway; bronchoscopy; stent/dilation/resection; treat cause; monitor

Preventive Measures

Careful intubation; treat thyroid/laryngeal malignancy early.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Pulmonology/Thoracic-surgery/ENT/Oncology-Emergency department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.