Complex Airway Center

Complex airway diseases are comprised of cancerous and non-cancerous disorders of the windpipes affecting breathing and speech. They develop in the larynx, trachea and mainstem bronchi, the windpipes that travel from the larynx to the lungs. Airway diseases can appear in many forms and are often misdiagnosed as other lung problems such as asthma, emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

Cancers affecting the windpipes include tumors of the larynx, thyroid, lung or can be caused by tumors from other organs such as the breasts, kidney, colon and skin. Non-cancerous disorders are mainly caused by prolonged intubation, tracheostomy or auto-immune disorders, but often there is no cause.

These disorders are complex due to the need for comprehensive evaluation and specialized procedures offered by a multidisciplinary team. Our team consists of thoracic surgeons, ear nose and throat (ENT) surgeons and interventional pulmonologists.

Symptoms

The symptoms of complex airway diseases will vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms are:

  • Shortness of breath, especially with exertion or exercise, but can be present at rest when severe
  • Cough, sometimes described as a “seal barking cough”
  • Hoarseness
  • Chest congestion, with inability to clear mucus
  • Wheeze, a sound that occurs as you breathe out
  • Stridor, a high-pitched sound that occurs as you breathe in or out

Although rapid worsening can happen, symptoms from complex airway diseases usually progress slowly and gradually worsen over time. Because these symptoms may resemble other lung conditions or medical problems, an accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure proper treatment. Patients should seek medical attention when they are known to have a narrowing of the windpipe or when they develop worsening symptoms such as, shortness of breath, voice changes, wheezing or coughing up blood.

Types of Complex Airway Diseases

Treatment Options

Whether you are experiencing worsening symptoms or seeking a second opinion, our team of airway experts from interventional pulmonology, otolaryngology and thoracic surgery collaborate to provide specialized care for complex airway diseases. Through this team-based approach, our specialists can develop a personalized care plan, and if necessary, perform surgical repair.

At the University of Chicago Medicine, our experts perform innovative techniques with exceptional skill and excellent outcomes to treat complex airway diseases, including:

  • Dilation
  • Stenting
  • Laser therapy
  • Light therapy
  • Ablation therapy
  • Steroid injections
  • Surgery

Our Complex Airway Disease Team

Request an Appointment

We are currently experiencing a high volume of inquiries, leading to delayed response times. For faster assistance, please call 1-773-702-1865 to schedule your appointment.

If you have symptoms of an urgent nature, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

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By submitting this form you acknowledge the risk of sending this information by email and agree not to hold the University of Chicago or University of Chicago Medical Center liable for any damages you may incur as a result of the transfer or use of this information. The use or transmittal of this form does not create a physician-contact relationship. More information regarding the confidentiality of this request can be found in our Privacy Policy.

Complex Airway Disease Center