The Human trachea

The trachea, usually known as the windpipe, is a tube about 4 inches long and less than an inch in diameter in most people. The trachea starts just under the larynx (voice box) and runs down at the back of the breastbone (sternum). The trachea then divides into two smaller tubes called bronchi: one bronchus for each lung.

The trachea consists of approximately 20 jewelry of difficult cartilage. The returned a part of every ring is made from muscle and connective tissue. Moist, clean tissue referred to as mucosa strains the interior of the trachea. The trachea widens and elongates slightly with every breath in, returning to its resting length with each breath out.

Trachea Conditions
Tracheal stenosis: Inflammation within the trachea can cause scarring and narrowing of the windpipe. Surgery or endoscopy can be needed to correct the narrowing (stenosis), if intense.
Tracheoesophageal fistula: An ordinary channel paperwork to connect the trachea and the esophagus. Passage of swallowed food from the esophagus into the trachea causes extreme lung problems.
Tracheal overseas frame: An object is inhaled (aspirated) and lodges inside the trachea or considered one of its branches. A technique referred to as bronchoscopy is commonly needed to remove a foreign body from the trachea.
Tracheal cancer: Cancer of the trachea is quite uncommon. Symptoms can include coughing or difficulty breathing.
Tracheomalacia: The trachea is soft and floppy as opposed to rigid, normally due to a birth disorder. In adults, tracheomalacia is normally as a result of harm or via smoking.
Tracheal obstruction: A tumor or other growth can compress and slender the trachea, causing problem respiration. A stent or surgery is wanted to open the trachea and improve breathing.

Trachea Tests
Flexible bronchoscopy: An endoscope (bendy tube with a lighted camera on its quit) is handed through the nose or mouth into the trachea. Using bronchoscopy, a medical doctor can look at the trachea and its branches.
Rigid bronchoscopy: A rigid metal tube is brought through the mouth into the trachea. Rigid bronchoscopy is frequently greater powerful than bendy bronchoscopy, but it calls for deep anesthesia.
Computed tomography (CT scan): A CT scanner takes a series of X-rays, and a computer creates certain pics of the trachea and close by systems.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI experiment): An MRI scanner uses radio waves in a magnetic subject to create snap shots of the trachea and nearby systems.
Chest X-ray: A undeniable X-ray can inform if the trachea is deviated to both facet of the chest. An X-ray may additionally discover masses or overseas our bodies.
Trachea Treatments
Tracheostomy: A small hole is cut within the the front of the trachea, via an incision inside the neck. Tracheostomy is typically performed for folks who need a protracted duration of mechanical ventilation (respiratory assist).

Tracheal dilation: During bronchoscopy, a balloon can be inflated in the trachea, beginning a narrowing (stenosis). Sequentially larger jewelry can also be used to progressively open the trachea.
Laser therapy: Blockages in the trachea (inclusive of from cancer) may be destroyed with a excessive-strength laser.
Tracheal stenting: After dilation of a tracheal obstruction, a stent is regularly placed to keep the trachea open. Silicone or metal stents may be used.
Tracheal surgical operation: Surgery can be satisfactory for casting off certain tumors obstructing the trachea. Surgery may additionally accurate a tracheoesophageal fistula.
Cryotherapy: During bronchoscopy, a device can freeze and damage a tumor obstructing the trachea.