Airway malacia can occur in the larynx (larygomalacia), trachea (tracheomalacia), or bronchi (bronchomalacia). As a group these are the most common congenital abnormalities of the pediatric airway and are characterized by increased airway compliance, resulting in excessive dynamic collapse during the respiratory cycle. While a diagnosis can be suspected based on clinical history and physical examination, definitive evaluation is based of nasopharyngolaryngoscopy and/or bronchoscopy. Observation and conservative management are typically all that are required. However, surgical intervention can be necessary in the most severe cases, and can result in significant improvement in symptoms.
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