Subglottic narrowing

A pathological narrowing of the subglottic airway, extending from just below the true vocal folds to the inferior border of the cricoid cartilage, resulting in partial upper airway obstruction and increased airflow resistance.

Causes

• Prolonged endotracheal intubation

• Inflammatory causes

  • Idiopathic subglottic stenosis

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

  • Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis)

  • Sarcoidosis

  • Relapsing polychondritis

  • Amyloidosis

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Recurrent respiratory infections

  • Radiation exposure

• Traumatic causes

  • Neck injury

  • Strangulation

  • Inhalation burns

  • Toxic chemical inhalation

• Congenital subglottic stenosis