Condition Lookup

Foreign Body Aspiration

Symptoms:
coughing; choking; wheezing; stridor; dyspnea; cyanosis; unilateral decreased breath sounds

Root Cause:
An object or substance is inhaled into the airway, causing obstruction and irritation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical presentation followed by chest X-ray or bronchoscopy for confirmation.

Treatment:
The foreign object may be removed via bronchoscopy or surgery. In emergency situations, Heimlich maneuver or back blows may be necessary to dislodge the object.

Medications:
Antibiotics may be prescribed if there is an infection caused by aspiration, and corticosteroids or bronchodilators may be used to reduce inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
More common in children, particularly those under the age of 3.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age (children), eating or playing with small objects, reduced swallowing reflexes, and neurological disorders.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good if treated promptly; delayed treatment can lead to serious complications like pneumonia or airway damage.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Aspiration pneumonia, airway obstruction, lung abscess, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.

Tracheomalacia

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Disorders of the Airway

Symptoms:
noisy breathing; wheezing; shortness of breath; coughing; stridor; recurrent respiratory infections

Root Cause:
The trachea is abnormally soft, leading to collapse during exhalation, resulting in airflow obstruction and respiratory distress.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through clinical assessment and confirmed by imaging, such as flexible bronchoscopy, chest X-rays, or CT scans of the chest.

Treatment:
Treatment may involve conservative management such as observation, airway clearance techniques, or in severe cases, surgery like tracheal stenting or tracheoplasty.

Medications:
No specific medications treat tracheomalacia directly. However, bronchodilators like albuterol (a beta-agonist) may be prescribed to relieve wheezing and improve airflow. In cases of associated infections, antibiotics may be used.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare condition, often present in infants, with some cases continuing into adulthood.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prematurity, low birth weight, congenital disorders (e.g., Down syndrome), and a history of prolonged intubation or mechanical ventilation.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Often improves with age as the airway structure becomes more rigid; however, some may require surgical intervention.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Recurrent respiratory infections, airway collapse, and potential for respiratory failure in severe cases.

Bronchomalacia

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Disorders of the Airway

Symptoms:
wheezing; recurrent cough; difficulty breathing; chronic respiratory infections; stridor

Root Cause:
The bronchial walls are weak and may collapse during exhalation, causing airway obstruction and difficulty breathing.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Flexible bronchoscopy, chest X-rays, or CT scans can confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:
Management includes airway clearance techniques, inhaled bronchodilators, and sometimes surgery if symptoms are severe.

Medications:
Bronchodilators like albuterol (a beta-agonist) and corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and open the airways.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
More common in infants and young children but can affect adults, especially those with chronic respiratory conditions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prematurity, congenital conditions like tracheomalacia, chronic respiratory infections, and intubation history.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms may improve with age, but in some cases, persistent issues require long-term management.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic respiratory infections, difficulty managing symptoms, and progressive airway collapse in severe cases.

Tracheobronchitis

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Disorders of the Airway

Symptoms:
cough; fever; sore throat; wheezing; shortness of breath; chest discomfort

Root Cause:
Inflammation of the trachea and bronchi, often due to viral or bacterial infection.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and confirmed with a chest X-ray or sputum culture if a bacterial infection is suspected.

Treatment:
Symptomatic treatment with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications (e.g., acetaminophen for fever). Antibiotics may be required if a bacterial infection is diagnosed.

Medications:
Antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin or azithromycin ) may be prescribed if bacterial infection is identified. Bronchodilators and corticosteroids may help alleviate symptoms of wheezing and inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, especially in the winter months and in individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic respiratory conditions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Exposure to respiratory infections, smoking, weakened immune system, and pre-existing lung conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Typically resolves with appropriate treatment, but can take longer in people with underlying lung diseases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, or exacerbation of pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Vocal Cord Dysfunction (Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Disorders of the Airway

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; wheezing; coughing; choking sensation; difficulty breathing; voice changes; stridor

Root Cause:
The vocal cords close instead of opening during inhalation, which can obstruct airflow and cause respiratory distress.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is made through clinical evaluation and may involve laryngoscopy to observe vocal cord motion.

Treatment:
Treatment focuses on breathing exercises, speech therapy, and stress management techniques. Medications may be used to manage symptoms.

Medications:
Inhaled bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol ) may be prescribed to relieve symptoms of wheezing or difficulty breathing. Anxiety or stress-related medications may also be used in some cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects both adults and children, with a higher incidence in women and those with asthma or anxiety.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Asthma, anxiety, stress, irritant exposure, and history of upper respiratory infections.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Often improves with proper treatment, including speech therapy and breathing exercises. However, symptoms may recur.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Misdiagnosis as asthma or other respiratory conditions, ongoing breathing difficulties, and impaired quality of life.