What are the Different Stages of Esophageal Cancer?
Esophageal cancer is a formidable disease that affects the esophagus, the hollow tube that carries food and liquids...
Treatment
Treatment of Tracheal Stenosis: Managing Narrowing of the Windpipe
Tracheal stenosis is a condition characterized by a narrowing of the trachea, which can lead to severe breathing difficulty, coughing, and recurrent respiratory infections. It’s often a complication arising from prolonged intubation, tracheostomy, or can be due to inflammatory diseases such as tuberculosis and trauma, or tumors. Patients with tracheal stenosis typically report a progressive worsening of breathlessness, especially during exertion, and a high-pitched wheezing (stridor), signalling the need for medical evaluation.
Diagnosis involves bronchoscopic examination of the airways, pulmonary function tests, and imaging studies like CT scans to determine the stenosis’ severity and location. This stenosis can be “simple” or “complex”. “Simple stenoses” can be managed with bronchoscopic techniques (balloon tracheoplasty). or stent placement), however, “Complex stenosis” requires surgical intervention for long-term resolution, if bronchoscopic treatment (balloon tracheoplasty or stent placement) fails. Surgery typically involves removal the narrowed section of the trachea and reconstruct the airway (surgical resection and anastomosis).
Dr. Mohan Venkatesh Pulle, as an experienced tracheal (airway) surgeon, offers specialized treatment for tracheal stenosis, employing advanced techniques to optimize patient recovery and ensure the restoration of normal breathing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pneumothorax is a medical condition characterized by the presence of air in the pleural space, the area between the lung and the chest wall. This can lead to lung collapse and difficulty breathing.
Symptoms of pneumothorax include sudden sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, dry cough, and in some cases, shoulder or back pain.
Yes, there are several types, including Spontaneous (both primary and secondary), Traumatic, Tension, and Iatrogenic. Each type has distinct causes and characteristics.
Diagnosis often involves a physical examination, medical history review, and imaging studies like chest X-rays or CT scans. The type and severity of pneumothorax guide the diagnostic approach.
Treatment depends on the severity. Mild cases may resolve on their own, while more severe cases may require intervention. Options include observation, needle aspiration, chest tube insertion, or surgery to remove trapped air and stabilize the lung.
