What is Bronchomalacia?

What is Bronchomalacia?Bronchomalacia means ‘floppiness’ of some part of the Bronchi (the medium sized airways). This condition is not common but by no means rare. What causes Bronchomalacia?It can occur as an isolated congenital abnormality or associated with other conditions especially congenital heart disease.What are the symptoms? a cough a wheeze, varying degrees of shortness of breath, ill health. How is it diagnosed? Bronchomalacia is diagnosed by having an investigation called a Bronchoscopy (See Bronchoscopy Information sheet). After this procedure has been performed the doctor will be able to tell you the same day if your child has Bronchomalacia.How does the condition develop over time?Problems arise during the first and second years of life, commonly after a respiratory infection. Symptoms usually increase the each episode but as the child gets older, they will be less prone to infections and therefore the symptoms will reduce. In some children the symptoms remain to a degree but most grow out of it.