laryngotracheal

Laryngotracheal is a medical term used to describe things relating to the larynx (the voice box) and the trachea (the windpipe). The form combines the combining forms laryngo-, meaning larynx, and tracheo-, meaning trachea, with the suffix -al indicating a relation. In anatomy, the laryngotracheal region encompasses the upper airway from the laryngeal inlet downward to the lower trachea, including the glottis, vocal folds, and surrounding cartilaginous structures. This region plays a key role in protecting the airway during swallowing, facilitating phonation, and conducting air to the lungs.

Clinically, laryngotracheal conditions describe diseases or injuries affecting both the larynx and trachea. Examples include laryngotracheitis (inflammation of the larynx and trachea) and laryngotracheobronchitis, a condition commonly referred to as croup in pediatric patients. Other disorders include laryngotracheal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the airway that can result from prolonged intubation, trauma, or inflammatory disease.

Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation supported by endoscopic examination of the larynx and trachea and imaging such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging when needed. Management depends on the cause and severity and may include supportive care, corticosteroids, bronchodilators, antibiotics when bacterial infection is suspected, and airway interventions in cases of significant obstruction.

The term underscores the anatomical and functional continuity of the upper airway segment formed by the larynx and trachea. See also laryngitis, tracheitis, larynx, and trachea.