## Overview Tracheal stricture is narrowing of the tracheal lumen from scarring (after trauma or tracheostomy) or external compression. It causes respiratory noise (stridor) and exercise intolerance. Endoscopy confirms the narrowing. ## Causes Scarring after injury or surgery, or external mass. ## Diagnosis Endoscopy. ## Treatment Surgical resection and anastomosis for short strictures, or management of the external compression. Prognosis depends on length and location. ## Recovery and Prognosis Fair for short resectable strictures. Poor for long ones. ## Prevention Careful tracheostomy technique and trauma avoidance.
respiratory stridor; exercise intolerance; diagnosed on endoscopy
## Overview Tracheal stricture is narrowing of the tracheal lumen from scarring (after trauma or tracheostomy) or external compression. It causes respiratory noise (stridor) and exercise intolerance. Endoscopy confirms the narrowing. ## Causes Scarring after injury or surgery, or external mass. ## Diagnosis Endoscopy. ## Treatment Surgical resection and anastomosis for short strictures, or management of the external compression. Prognosis depends on length and location. ## Recovery and Prognosis Fair for short resectable strictures. Poor for long ones. ## Prevention Careful tracheostomy technique and trauma avoidance.
respiratory stridor; exercise intolerance; diagnosed on endoscopy