Tracheal Disorders—Bronchial Disorders

When you breathe in, the air travels down through your trachea (windpipe). It then goes through two tubes to your lungs. These tubes are your bronchi. Bronchial disorders can make it hard for you to breathe.

The most common problem with the bronchi is bronchitis, an inflammation of the tubes. It can be acute or chronic. Other problems include

Bronchiectasis – a condition in which damage to the airways causes them to widen and become flabby and scarred
Exercise-induced bronchospasm – a breathing problem that happens when your airways shrink while you are exercising
Bronchiolitis – an inflammation of the small airways that branch off from the bronchi
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia – a chronic lung condition in infants, most often premature infants

Bronchiectasis (Medical Encyclopedia)
Bronchiolitis (Medical Encyclopedia)
Bronchiolitis – discharge (Medical Encyclopedia)
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (Medical Encyclopedia)
Postural drainage (Medical Encyclopedia)
Tracheal rupture (Medical Encyclopedia)

Also called: Windpipe disorders

Your trachea, or windpipe, is one part of your airway system. Airways are pipes that carry oxygen-rich air to your lungs. They also carry carbon dioxide, a waste gas, out of your lungs.

When you inhale, air travels from your nose, through your larynx, and down your windpipe. The windpipe splits into two bronchi that enter your lungs.

Problems with the trachea include narrowing, inflammation, and some inherited conditions. You may need a procedure called a tracheostomy to help you breathe if you have swallowing problems, or have conditions that affect coughing or block your airways. You might also need a tracheostomy if you are in critical care and need to be on a breathing machine.

NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute