Floppy airway disease

[Sued1958]

Just been diagnosed with significant dynamic airway collapse with almost complete closure of entire intra thoracic trachea and main bronchi on expiration - this makes the bronchiectasis harder to control - waiting for a CPAP trial and hoping it will help.

Has anyone else had this type of diagnosis ?

If so what helps ???

[Hidden]

Hi Sued1958

I have bronchiectasis but haven't been diagnosed with airway collapse. However, I have suspected for some time that this has been happening but my consultant has ignored my suggestions. I would be grateful if you could let me know what symptoms you had, how it was diagnosed and how they are going to treat you. Thanks

[Sued1958 in reply to Hidden]

Hi

I have always had a strange cough but it has increasingly turned into a 'barking' cough, I sound rather like a seal, my horses all hear me coming & it makes me smile as their heads shoot up when they hear me !!!

More seriously my consultant heard the cough & suspected the airway collapse so did a bronchoscopy & took a video whilst the scope was in. I was then sent for another CT scan - the consultant radiographer was in attendance, he explained to me that they were taking the scan on expiration as they have begun to suspect that hard to treat lung problems including asthma & copd are due to this disease. After the scan he came back & his words were " you didn't like that did you (as I was coughing my lungs up) but the scan was really good"

I am sure I made his day lol !!

I am now just waiting to have a CPAP machine issued as they are hopeful that the pressure will improve the airways overnight & keep them open during the day I think.

We have not discussed any further treatment if the CPAP fails.

Sorry for the long reply but trying to stay positive !!!

Good luck

[Hidden in reply to Sued1958]

thanks so much. I developed a 'barking cough' some years ago after a virus. I have had bronch for 63 years. My consultant brushes off any mention of floppy airways as my spirometry has only declined slightly and slowly as expected in bronch. My breathing problem is more obvious when I am trying to sleep which I never had before. I do suspect that this is happening though. I really don't want a bronchoscope. I do hope that they can find a treatment to help you. Please keep me up to date with how you are and if the cpap machine helps.

[Sued1958]

I don't blame you for not wanting a bronchoscope - not nice. I have had the barking cough for years but the breathlessness has got considerably worse recently. Will keep you updated - keep as well as possible xx

[Northern-soul]

Hi, I got diagnosed with severe Tracheomalacia around 18 months ago by bronchoscopy, my bronchi were normal. Although I have been told that the condition can worsen in time. I also have severe asthma and bronchiectasis. I use CPAP which does help.

If you want any more info please pm me

[maggy12]

I had a bronchoscopy with lavarge yesterday I am glad I had it, just got on with, everyone was very kind, not nice but it needed doing they cant get samples from a scan, and now I know I have a floppy airway and the Doctor is working hard to help me, just waiting for lab tests to come back for infection, I had mild sedation but remember everything