Noisy breathing, feeding and voice problems often co-exist. They can be life-threatening, or may severely delay growth and development. Sometimes, underlying Airway Anomalies like narrowing and tumours may be wrongly diagnosed as asthma or recurrent infections.
A flexible nasoendoscopy is done to diagnose the site of obstruction in the clinic. Airway X-rays may be needed. A speech and swallowing therapist may need to conduct an assessment for related voice and feeding problems. A rigid bronchoscopy under general anaesthesia may be needed.
Every effort to avoid an artificial airway opening in the neck (tracheotomy) should be made where possible, so that the child can breathe, speak and socialise normally.
Rib grafts, wire and silicone stents, and resection-anastomosis surgery are also available. Adults can be similarly helped.
A multi-disciplinary team (ENT, Respiratory, Surgery sub-specialties, Gastroenterology, Genetics, Speech and Swallow) should coordinate evaluation to reduce investigation time and optimise treatment.
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