Does My Child have Breathing Issues?


Laryngomalacia

Sometimes babies have noisy breathing. This can be due to congestion, or it can be a condition of the larynx called laryngomalacia. Laryngomalacia is a congenital softening of the tissues of the larynx, commonly known as the voice box, above the vocal cords.

Laryngomalacia is the most common cause of raspy, noisy breathing in infancy. It happens when the structure of the larynx is floppy and malformed. This causes the tissues to fall over the airway, partially blocking it and creating noise when breathing.

Tracheostomy

A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure to create an opening through the neck into the trachea (windpipe). A tube is usually placed through this opening to provide an airway and to remove secretions from the lungs. This tube is called a tracheostomy tube or trach tube.

Bronchoscopy

A bronchoscopy is a test performed to view and diagnose problems in the bronchial tubes or related to lung disease. The procedure is performed using a bronchoscope, a device used to see the interior of the lungs. The doctor inserts this long tube through the nose or mouth, into the trachea and then into the patient’s lungs. A bronchoscopy is usually recommended when the patient shows signs of lung disease.

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