Tracheal collapsibility in adults is dynamic over time

Tracheal collapse is increasingly seen due to the rapidly rising number of computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest performed in hospitals [1]. Since 1993 [2], the CT modality with both inspiratory and expiratory scans has identified numerous patients with excess tracheal collapse during expiration. The patients report symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and recurrent infections [3] and often they have comorbid lung diseases as well, especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [4]. The similarity in symptom patterns complicates the distinction between excessive tracheal collapse and other more common lung diseases.

Source: Respiratory Medicine - December 13, 2018 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Mette Nygaard, Ole Hilberg, Finn Rasmussen, Elisabeth Bendstrup Source Type: research