Monday 22 April 2019

Trachea : Parts of the body

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                   A to Z 2019
       
The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a tube about 4 inches long and less than 
an inch in diameter in most people. The trachea begins just under the larynx (voice box) and 
runs down behind the breastbone (sternum). The trachea then divides into two smaller tubes 
called bronchi: one bronchus for each lung.
The trachea is composed of about 20 rings of tough cartilage. The back part of each ring is 
made of muscle and connective tissue. Moist, smooth tissue called mucosa lines the inside of 
the trachea. The trachea widens and lengthens slightly with each breath in, returning to its 
resting size with each breath out.
                                              Trachea Conditions 

Tracheal stenosis :  Inflammation in the trachea can lead to scarring and narrowing of the 
windpipe. Surgery or endoscopy may be needed to correct the narrowing (stenosis), if severe.
Tracheoesophageal fistula : An abnormal channel forms to connect the trachea and the 

esophagus. Passage of swallowed food from the esophagus into the trachea causes serious 

lung problems.
Tracheal foreign body : An object is inhaled (aspirated) and lodges in the trachea or one of 

its branches. A procedure called bronchoscopy is usually needed to remove a foreign body 

from the trachea.
Tracheal cancer : Cancer of the trachea is quite rare. Symptoms can include coughing or 

difficulty breathing.
Tracheomalacia : The trachea is soft and floppy rather than rigid, usually due to a birth 

defect. In adults, tracheomalacia is generally caused by injury or by smoking.
Tracheal obstruction :  A tumor or other growth can compress and narrow the trachea, 

causing difficulty breathing. A stent or surgery is needed to open the trachea and improve 

breathing.

                                                   Trachea Tests

Flexible bronchoscopy :  An endoscope (flexible tube with a lighted camera on its end) is 

passed through the nose or mouth into the trachea. Using bronchoscopy, a doctor can 

examine the trachea and its branches.
Rigid bronchoscopy : A rigid metal tube is introduced through the mouth into the trachea. 

Rigid bronchoscopy is often more effective than flexible bronchoscopy, but it requires deep 

anesthesia.


Magnetic Resonance Imaging : An MRI scanner uses radio waves in a magnetic field to create 

images of the trachea and nearby structures.

Chest X-ray : A plain X-ray can tell if the trachea is deviated to either side of the chest. An X-

ray might also identify masses or foreign bodies.

                                          Trachea Treatments

Tracheostomy : A small hole is cut in the front of the trachea, through an incision in the 

neck. 

Tracheostomy is usually done for people who need a long period of mechanical ventilation 

(breathing support).

Tracheal dilation : During bronchoscopy, a balloon can be inflated in the trachea, opening a 

narrowing (stenosis). Sequentially larger rings can also be used to gradually open the 

trachea. 

Laser therapy : Blockages in the trachea (such as from cancer) can be destroyed with a high-

energy laser.

Tracheal stenting :   After dilation of a tracheal obstruction, a stent is often placed to keep 

the trachea open. Silicone or metal stents may be used.

Tracheal Surgery : Surgery may be best for removing certain tumors obstructing the trachea. 

Surgery may also correct a tracheoesophageal fistula.

Cryotherapy : During bronchoscopy, a tool can freeze and destroy a tumor obstructing the 

trachea.

If a baby is born  without a trachea — the cartilaginous tube through which we breathe, 

then such a condition is called tracheal agenesis, and it is extremely rare. ... Such a baby 

dies silently, having never drawn a breath. Only a few of these babies, and only because 

of extraordinary surgical interventions, have survived.

              Readers, tell me , did you find today's post informative?


                     I am participating in the A to Z Challenge. 

Information courtesy Google.

Day 3.Chin & Cheeks                         Day 4. Dimples 
Day 5. Eye                                        Day 6. Feet
Day 7 . Gums/Gingiva                       Day 8. Hair 
Day 9. Intestine                                Day 10. Jaws                                   

Day 11. Kidneys                                Day 12. Lungs


Day 13. Mouth                                  Day 14. Nails 

Day 15. Ovary                                      Day 16. Pituitary-gland

Day 17.  Quadriceps                             Day 18.  Ribs                        

Day 19. Spleen


15 comments:

  1. https://ideasolsi65.blogspot.com/2019/04/trachea-parts-of-body.html

    ReplyDelete
  2. I remember reading about trachea after my son was born. Any external particles, if stuck here could be fatal to an individual. Also, the body parts related to respiratory system were the first I every studied about. Dad was severely asthmatic and as a kid, I wanted to know why he was suffering so badly.

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    Replies
    1. Asthma is difficult for a person. One of my close friend is a asthma patient and I have seen her suffer. Thanks Sonia Cfor reading and commenting.

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  3. Yes, I learned a few new things to worry about here!

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    Replies
    1. Kristin and a few things to take care of too.

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  4. I'm an asthmatic. So yeah, have to be extra careful of infections in trachea. Even the slightest of throat infections have to be taken seriously, lest they spread further down and develop into a full-fledged lung infection. Luckily, Reiki helps stop them at the throat only.

    Find my T post @ 10 Interesting Truths About Bloggers

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    Replies
    1. My son was asthmatic in childhood but now is better. Thanks Chick K. The alternate therapy/medicine like reiki , acupressure etc are a boon.

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  5. I was the brand manager for an anti-asthmatic drug years ago, so have read about all this, but good to re-fresh the knowledge. Thanks Kalpana :)

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  6. Honestly Kalpana, I came to know one more interesting word trachea .. thanks

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  7. The best thing is that after reading your posts I become more aware of signs and symptoms to watch out for...nothing can be taken for granted.
    It sure was useful Kalpana.


    Three Two One…

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  8. I heard about this trachea only after I met a friend who had asthma. Good post as always with lots of information

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    Replies
    1. the importance of our body parts is realized when it gets affected. Thanks suhavijay

      Delete

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