Definition of Tracheomalacia - acquired:

Acquired tracheomalacia is a weakness and floppiness of the walls of the windpipe (trachea) that develops after birth.

See also: Congenital tracheomalacia

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Acquired tracheomalacia occurs when previously normal cartilage in the wall of the windpipe starts to break down.

There are two types of acquired tracheomalacia.

• Type 2 develops when there is pressure on the airway. This may be due to an abnormality of the blood vessels surrounding the trachea or a tumor in the neck or throat.
• Type 3 tracheomalacia results from long term use of a breathing tube (intubation) or repeated infections involving the trachea.

Acquired tracheomalacia is very uncommon.