Overview
Acquired tracheal collapse involves the weakening and collapse of the tracheal structures, often leading to airway obstruction and respiratory symptoms. This condition can affect various patient populations and may require interventions ranging from medical management to surgical or interventional radiology procedures 2.Diagnosis
Dynamic airway imaging (e.g., fluoroscopy, CT) to confirm tracheal collapse and assess severity 2.
Clinical signs include coughing, dyspnea, and airway obstruction 2.Management
First-line treatments: Control of clinical signs through anti-inflammatory medications and cough suppressants 2.
Adjunctive treatments: Tracheal stenting for persistent airway obstruction when medical management fails 2.Special Populations
Veterinary context: Common in small-breed dogs; larger breeds, cats, and miniature horses can also be affected 2.
Human populations: No specific details provided regarding pregnancy, pediatrics, elderly, or comorbidities in the given abstracts 12.Key Recommendations
Utilize dynamic imaging techniques for definitive diagnosis of tracheal collapse 2 (Evidence: Moderate).
Initiate management with medical therapy targeting inflammation and cough control 2 (Evidence: Moderate).
Consider interventional radiology procedures such as tracheal stenting when medical management is ineffective 2 (Evidence: Moderate).References
1 Bowen AJ, Nowacki AS, Benninger MS, Lamarre ED, Bryson PC. Is tracheotomy on the decline in otolaryngology? A single institutional analysis. American journal of otolaryngology 2018. link
2 Clarke DL. Interventional Radiology Management of Tracheal and Bronchial Collapse. The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice 2018. link