What Are the Causes of Tracheal Edema?
Tracheal edema refers to the swelling of the airway between the throat and the lungs. This is often called the “windpipe.” This kind of swelling can be fatal since, if extreme, can completely block the windpipe itself (the trachea), killing the victim through asphyxiation. There are generally only a few causes for this condition, most of which are based on the introduction of foreign substances (chemical or otherwise) into the body or the windpipe itself. Gas The main cause of throat/windpipe swelling is the inhalation of poisonous substances. DiagnosisPro, a medical diagnostic website, holds that the most common substances that cause this kind of swelling are acids and smoke, mustard and nerve gas, and forms of chlorine and ammonia in the air. Most typical poisons, such as sarin or cyanide gas, when inhaled, cause this condition. Endotracheal Intubation and Bronchoscopy Medical procedures can cause tracheal edema as a side effect. Though less and less common as a side effect, it can o
