What is Subglottic Stenosis ?
Subglottic stenosis is a condition where the airway just below the vocal cords becomes narrowed, often causing breathing difficulties, noisy breathing (stridor), or a persistent cough.
Symptoms of Subglottic Stenosis
- 1. Stridor – High-pitched, whistling noise when breathing
- 2. Shortness of breath – Particularly noticeable during physical activity
- 3. Persistent cough – Sometimes with excess mucus
- 4. Hoarseness – Changes in voice quality
- 5. Recurrent croup – Frequent episodes of respiratory distress
- 6. Frequent respiratory infections
- 7. Feeling of tightness or obstruction in the throat
Understanding the Impacts of Subglottic Stenosis on Your Health
Subglottic stenosis primarily impacts breathing, making physical activities difficult and causing persistent respiratory issues, stridor, and hoarseness. The hidden impact, however, lies in the underlying causes, such as prolonged intubation, infections, or autoimmune conditions, which may indicate other serious health concerns. If left untreated, subglottic stenosis can worsen, leading to severe airway obstruction, increased risk of respiratory infections, and in extreme cases, life-threatening situations.
Consult Our Otolaryngologist / ENT
- Dr. Hani Alborhani, MASTER DEGREE / SYRI... : Specializes in ENT care with a focus on diagnosing and treating subglottic stenosis and airway disorders. Book Appointment
- Dr. Vidit Rohit Shah, MBBS, MS : Board-certified ENT specialist with expertise in diagnosing and treating subglottic stenosis and airway disorders. Book Appointment
- Dr. Omar Sowilem, MASTER : Experienced ENT specialist known for a compassionate approach to diagnosing and treating subglottic stenosis and airway disorders. Book Appointment
Importance and Benefits of Consulting a ENT Specialist Online
Seeing an ENT specialist is essential at any stage of subglottic stenosis, particularly when symptoms such as breathing difficulty, stridor, chronic cough, or voice changes occur. This rare condition most commonly affects women, with higher incidence reported in southern and central Alberta, Canada. While the exact cause remains unclear, it typically develops in individuals aged 30 to 50. Though cases have also been reported in the United States, the Netherlands, and Norway, the prevalence is significantly lower in those regions.
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Easily schedule video or audio consultations with experienced ENT Specialists who focus on conditions like subglottic stenosis through our easy-to-use platform. Select your preferred doctor, book a suitable appointment, and receive a customized evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and treatment plan. You’ll also benefit from electronic prescriptions and medical certificates for complete ENT care and support.
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FAQ
Subglottic stenosis can stem from various causes. It may be congenital, occurring at birth due to abnormal airway development. In acquired cases, it often results from prolonged intubation or tracheostomy, where irritation from a breathing tube leads to scarring of the airway lining. Other contributing factors include autoimmune disorders like granulomatosis with polyangiitis, infections, trauma, or radiation therapy to the neck area. In many instances, particularly among adult women, the condition is classified as idiopathic, meaning the cause remains unknown despite thorough evaluation.
If you're experiencing symptoms like persistent difficulty breathing, noisy breathing (stridor), chronic cough, hoarseness, or frequent respiratory infections, it's important to consult an ENT specialist. These signs could indicate airway narrowing, such as subglottic stenosis. Seeking early medical evaluation ensures a precise diagnosis, helps prevent complications, and allows for timely treatment to preserve airway function and enhance overall quality of life.
Subglottic stenosis can lead to several complications if left untreated. The narrowing of the airway can gradually worsen, causing severe breathing difficulties and increasing the risk of respiratory distress, especially during physical activity. Frequent respiratory infections may develop due to impaired airflow, and patients may experience chronic coughing and hoarseness. In severe cases, subglottic stenosis can lead to life-threatening airway obstruction, requiring emergency intervention or surgery. Long-term complications may include scarring of the airway, the need for repeated procedures to maintain airway patency, and a possible decline in overall quality of life. Early diagnosis and management are essential to prevent these complications.