Stenosis or narrowing occurs usually in the subglottic and tracheal regions of the airway.
Subglottic stenosis often presents with stridor or asthma-like noise and shortness-of-breathe. Mostly in young female, there is perhaps some relationship to hormone-sensitive cells. Also, acid reflux or GERD may be present.
Treatment is flexible CO2 laser opening and use of Mitomycin "C" and steroids.
Tracheal stenosis used to be a more significant problem, mostly due to rigid endotracheal tubes with balloons that placed too much pressure on the trachea. Now, may be often due to tracheotomy or trauma.
Treatment is often with laser and/or stent. At times a sleeve resection of stenotic area is justified.
Stenosis Video
Stent Video