Laryngeal Stenosis
Laryngeal stenosis is a medical condition characterized by abnormal narrowing of the larynx (voice box), which can significantly affect breathing, voice production, and swallowing.
This condition may be congenital or acquired due to trauma, prolonged intubation, infection, autoimmune diseases, tumors, or surgical complications.
Depending on the severity, laryngeal stenosis can cause symptoms ranging from mild hoarseness and shortness of breath to life-threatening airway obstruction.
Treatment typically involves medical management for mild cases and surgical interventions such as endoscopic dilation, laser surgery, stenting, or open reconstructive surgery for moderate to severe cases.
Early diagnosis and specialized ENT care are crucial for restoring airway function and improving quality of life.
Understanding Laryngeal Stenosis
What happens in the airway
Laryngeal stenosis occurs when scar tissue, inflammation, or structural abnormalities cause narrowing of the laryngeal airway. This narrowing can restrict airflow, leading to breathing difficulty and voice changes. The condition may involve the supraglottic, glottic, or subglottic regions, each affecting voice and breathing differently.
Chronic stenosis often develops after prolonged intubation or trauma, while congenital stenosis is present from birth due to abnormal cartilage development.
- Congenital stenosis Present at birth due to abnormal airway cartilage formation, often detected in infants with noisy breathing.
- Acquired stenosis Develops later in life, commonly after prolonged intubation, surgery, trauma, or infections.
- Inflammatory causes Autoimmune disorders and chronic infections can lead to scarring and narrowing of the airway.
- Tumor-related narrowing Benign or malignant growths can compress or obstruct the laryngeal airway.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Clinical presentation and evaluation
Symptoms of laryngeal stenosis vary depending on the degree and location of narrowing. Patients may experience shortness of breath, stridor (high-pitched breathing sound), hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and reduced exercise tolerance.
Diagnosis involves detailed ENT examination, flexible or rigid laryngoscopy, imaging studies like CT scan, and pulmonary function tests to assess airway obstruction severity.
- Breathing difficulty Progressive shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or sleep.
- Voice changes Hoarseness, weak voice, or altered pitch due to vocal cord involvement.
- Stridor High-pitched breathing noise indicating significant airway narrowing.
- Imaging and endoscopy Direct visualization and CT imaging help determine stenosis severity and treatment planning.
Treatment Options
Medical and surgical management
Treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause. Mild cases may respond to medications, voice therapy, and monitoring. Moderate to severe stenosis often requires surgical intervention to restore airway patency and improve breathing and voice.
Modern ENT surgery offers minimally invasive techniques such as endoscopic laser excision and balloon dilation, as well as reconstructive open airway surgery for complex cases.
- Endoscopic dilation Balloon or rigid dilation to widen the narrowed airway segment.
- Laser surgery Precise removal of scar tissue using CO2 or other surgical lasers.
- Airway stenting Temporary or permanent stents to keep the airway open in severe cases.
- Open reconstructive surgery Complex procedures like laryngotracheal reconstruction for extensive stenosis.
Why Choose CureU Healthcare
CureU Healthcare provides comprehensive and patient-centered care for laryngeal stenosis, combining advanced diagnostic tools, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and multidisciplinary expertise. Our ENT specialists are trained in complex airway surgeries and use state-of-the-art endoscopic and reconstructive procedures to restore breathing and voice function.
We emphasize individualized treatment planning, detailed preoperative counseling, and structured postoperative rehabilitation including speech therapy and respiratory care.
With a strong focus on safety, precision, and long-term outcomes, CureU Healthcare ensures patients receive world-class airway management with compassionate support throughout their recovery journey.
- Expert ENT surgeons Highly experienced specialists in airway reconstruction and endoscopic laryngeal surgery.
- Advanced technology Use of high-definition endoscopy, lasers, and modern airway management tools.
- Multidisciplinary care Collaboration with pulmonologists, anesthesiologists, and speech therapists.
- Patient-centered approach Personalized treatment plans, clear communication, and long-term follow-up care.
Conclusion
Laryngeal stenosis is a serious but treatable airway condition that requires timely evaluation and expert ENT intervention. Advances in minimally invasive and reconstructive airway surgery have significantly improved outcomes, allowing patients to regain normal breathing and voice quality.
Early diagnosis, individualized treatment planning, and structured postoperative care are essential to prevent complications and recurrence. With specialized expertise and comprehensive patient support, CureU Healthcare aims to deliver optimal airway restoration, improved quality of life, and long-term respiratory stability for patients with laryngeal stenosis.
