Tracheal stenosis is a narrowing or constriction of the trachea. Most cases of tracheal stenosis develop when a persons trachea is injured after prolonged intubation – when a breathing tube is inserted into the trachea to help maintain breathing during a medical procedure – or from a tracheostomy (surgical opening of the trachea).

Tracheal stenosis can also develop from a number of other causes, including external injury to the throat; when a benign or malignant tumor presses on the windpipe; certain autoimmune disorders (polychondritis, sarcoidosis, papillomatosis, amyloidosis and Wegeners granulomatosis); and infections (bacterial and fungal infections as well as tuberculosis). It can also develop as a side effect of radiation therapy when administered to treat a tumor in the head or neck.