Q32.0: Congenital tracheomalacia

The trachea or windpipe begins below the larynx. It consists of many cartilage rings that strengthen the trachea. The trachea splits into 2 large airways in the middle of the chest. The airways then go into the lungs and branch out further.

While developing in the womb, many different types of tissue develop in the body. The organs and body parts develop out of the various types of tissue. If tissue fails to develop properly, defects can occur.

The cartilage tissue in your trachea has not developed properly. The cartilage tissue may be changed or missing, for example. The trachea is then not as firm and stable as usual.

Certain sections of the trachea usually get wider when breathing in and narrower when breathing out. If the trachea is softer than usual, it can get narrow. The trachea may even close up completely when coughing, pressing or exhaling strenuously.

If the trachea is not as firm and stable, there can be various indications. A whistling sound may then be heard when breathing. Breathlessness or coughing may occur, for example. If breathlessness occurs, the skin can turn blue. If the trachea is softer than usual, fluid or mucous may be more poorly transported away from the airways. This can result in more frequent and more severe infections of the respiratory tract.