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.

What is the treatment?

Upper respiratory exacerbation’s should be treated vigorously with oral antibiotics more so than with other children who develop respiratory illness.

What can you do to help your child?

It is very important that you ensure that your child is not subjected to a smoke filled environment as this could make the condition worse. If you smoke, then we are happy to liase with your GP’s practice to access support to try to help you give up.

As previously mentioned in this leaflet, ensuring your child received antibiotics when they develop a respiratory infection and we will inform your GP of this nformation.

Where can I go for information or help?

There is a notice board in the Children’s Outpatient Department at the Freeman Hospital informing all respiratory children’s families of other support networks available to them.

We hope this information sheet has been helpful to you but is by no means a replacement for talking to either the doctor or nurse. If you would like more information or advice please contact one of the following:

Doctor Spencer’s secretary on 0192 2231277 Mon –Fri 9am –5pm or

The Respiratory Nurse Specialist for Children at the Freeman Hospital 0191 2137243 or 0191 2336161 ext. 37243 or bleep 3490
via the hospital switchboard or

The Respiratory Nurse Specialist for Children at the Royal Victoria Infirmary Hospital 0191 2336161 ext.20315