Luftvejsstenose

Luftvejsstenose refers to a narrowing of the airway, most commonly the trachea or bronchi. This condition can be congenital, meaning present from birth, or acquired later in life due to various factors. Congenital causes can include abnormalities in cartilage development or vascular compression. Acquired causes are more diverse and may result from trauma, such as blunt force injury to the chest, or iatrogenic injury during medical procedures like intubation or tracheostomy. Inflammation and scarring, often following infections like pneumonia or tuberculosis, can also lead to airway stenosis. Malignancies of the airway or surrounding structures can also cause external compression and subsequent narrowing. Symptoms of luftvejsstenose vary depending on the degree and location of the narrowing. Mild cases might present with stridor, a high-pitched whistling sound during breathing, or exertional dyspnea, shortness of breath that worsens with physical activity. More severe stenosis can lead to significant respiratory distress, difficulty clearing secretions, recurrent pneumonia, and in extreme cases, respiratory failure. Diagnosis typically involves imaging such as chest X-rays or CT scans, and definitive assessment is often made through bronchoscopy, which allows direct visualization of the airway and measurement of the degree of narrowing. Treatment strategies depend on the underlying cause and severity. For some congenital cases, surgical repair may be an option. Acquired stenosis might be managed with endoscopic procedures like balloon dilation or stent placement to widen the airway. In cases of severe or irreversible stenosis, a tracheostomy may be necessary to bypass the obstruction and ensure adequate airflow.