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Tracheomalacia - congenital - Overview

Alternative Names

Type 1 tracheomalacia

Definition of Tracheomalacia - congenital:

Congenital tracheomalacia is a weakness and floppiness of the walls of the windpipe (trachea), which is present at birth.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Tracheomalacia in a newborn occurs when the cartilage in the windpipe (trachea) has not developed properly. Instead of being rigid, the walls of the trachea are floppy. Because the windpipe is the main airway, breathing difficulties begin soon after birth.

Congenital tracheomalacia is very uncommon.

  • Reviewed last on: 5/1/2011
  • Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Rahbar R, Healy GB. Congenital disorders of the trachea. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2005:chap 191.

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