Etymed
bronchomalacia
Definition
A condition characterized by softening or weakening of the bronchial walls, leading to airway collapse during expiration
Clinical context
A 65-year-old male with a 40-pack-year smoking history presents with progressive dyspnea and wheezing. On examination, he has expiratory wheezes and his symptoms worsen with physical exertion. A CT scan reveals weakening of the bronchial walls with collapse during expiration.
Mnemonic
BRONCHOmalacia = BRONCHI are MALL and will collapse when you EXPIRE