Larynx and airway: tracheomalacia: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Larynx and airway: tracheomalacia

Sample item

An infant has a barking cough and expiratory noise that worsens with crying and feeding. Bronchoscopy shows collapse of the posterior tracheal membrane on expiration. What is the usual course?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Spontaneous improvement by 1 to 2 years in most cases

Primary tracheomalacia is due to cartilage softness and generally improves as the airway grows, usually resolving by 18 to 24 months. Severe cases with apnoeic spells may need aortopexy or stenting. Associated vascular rings or tracheoesophageal fistula should be excluded.

Option by option

  • A. Resolution only after puberty

    It resolves long before puberty.

  • B. Need for immediate resection

    Resection is rarely needed.

  • C. Spontaneous improvement by 1 to 2 years in most cases (correct)

    Correct. Most cases resolve with growth.

  • D. Rapid progression requiring tracheostomy in all

    Tracheostomy is for severe cases only.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is C, Spontaneous improvement by 1 to 2 years in most cases. Primary tracheomalacia is due to cartilage softness and generally improves as the airway grows, usually resolving by 18 to 24 months.

Why is "Resolution only after puberty" not the answer?

It resolves long before puberty.

Why is "Need for immediate resection" not the answer?

Resection is rarely needed.

Why is "Rapid progression requiring tracheostomy in all" not the answer?

Tracheostomy is for severe cases only.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Larynx and airway: tracheomalacia in ENT. Severe cases with apnoeic spells may need aortopexy or stenting. Associated vascular rings or tracheoesophageal fistula should be excluded.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Larynx and airway: tracheomalacia?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.