Narrowed windpipe or tracheostomy problems

Overview

Narrowing often follows a breathing tube or tracheostomy.

People with a trach need regular care to keep the tube clear.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Noisy breathing
• Barking cough or noisy breathing in

Less common

• Shortness of breath
• Cough

Look up a symptom: Barking cough or noisy breathing in · Getting winded easily with activity or stairs

When to get medical care

Causes

Scarring.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Past breathing tube

Possible complications

• Pneumonia: Higher risk with a trach

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Scope:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Suction and clean the trach as taught
• Keep spare tubes ready
• Use a humidifier

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a pulmonologist (lung doctor) or an ENT doctor.

Living with it

• Keep a simple diary of symptoms, triggers, and medicines to bring to visits.
• Bring a list of your medicines and questions to each visit.
• Don't smoke or vape, and avoid secondhand smoke.
• Ask about cardiac or pulmonary rehab programs.
• Get flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia vaccines as advised.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Caregivers: Learn emergency trach changes.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Treatment improves breathing.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Narrowed windpipe or tracheostomy problems