Etymed
tracheomalacia
Definition
A condition characterized by softening and weakness of the tracheal cartilage, leading to airway collapse during breathing
Clinical context
A 6-month-old infant presents with severe respiratory distress and stridor that worsens during feeding and crying. The infant has a history of recurrent respiratory infections and appears cyanotic during episodes. On examination, there is audible tracheal collapse on inspiration. Chest X-ray shows evidence of tracheal narrowing during inspiration.
Mnemonic
TRACHE malacia = TRACH-eal collapse during breathing, like a weak, floppy tube