SUBGLOTTIC STENOSIS

Subglottic stenosis is a condition in which the area immediately below the vocal folds is narrowed. 

Symptoms of subglottic stenosis include:

Subglottic stenosis can occur due to a number of reasons, including:

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis of subglottic stenosis may be challenging as patients may be treated for many other disease including asthma and bronchitis before the correct diagnosis of subglottic stenosis is made.  Typically the diagnosis is made by an x-ray such at a CT which demonstrates narrowing of the airway.

At the University of California Irvine Medical Center, we are equipped with state-of-the-art technology which allows for diagnosis with x-rays.  Dr. Verma is able to performing an in-office airway examination without the need for sedation or general anesthesia.  Using only topical numbing medication, Dr Verma is able to examine the the vocal cords, subglottis, and trachea of a patient using a small camera which is passed through the nose.  Examinations are recorded so that findings can be reviewed with patients immediately after the procedure.

Treatment:

Treatment for subglottic stenosis is necessary when the degree of stenosis affects an individual's ability to breathe.  A quick outpatient procedure involves dilating the airway using specially designed balloons which widen the airway in a minimally invasive fashion.  Medication is applied to the area of stenosis to prevent scar from reforming. 

In cases where balloon dilation is unable to treat a patient's symptoms, surgery is performed to stent open the airway.  This procedure, termed laryngotracheal reconstruction, uses cartilage to reconstruct the airway.  Surgeons at the University of California-Irvine Medical Center are able to perform both procedure to assist patients with subglottic stenosis.

To make an appointment with our airway specialist, Dr. Verma, please call 714-456-7017 or click here to request an appointment via the web.