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Tracheal/bronchial rupture

Definition:

Tracheal/bronchial rupture is a tear or break in the trachea (windpipe) or bronchial tubes, the major airways leading to the lungs. A tear can also occur in the tissue lining the windpipe.

Alternative Names:

Torn tracheal mucosa

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The injury may be caused by infections, ulcerations due to foreign objects, and trauma, such as a gunshot wound or automobile accident.

Injuries to the trachea or bronchi also may occur during medical procedures (for example, fiberoptic bronchoscopy and placement of a breathing tube), but this is very uncommon.

Lungs

Lungs

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