Learn about Airway Stenosis Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Airway Stenosis and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Airway Stenosis

Airway stenosis is a medical procedure performed by a pulmonologist to diagnose and treat a narrowing (stenosis) of the trachea or bronchi, which are the main air passages to the lungs. This narrowing can significantly restrict airflow, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, and recurrent infections. The procedure, often performed via bronchoscopy, allows the specialist to visually inspect the airway and apply treatments directly. These may include balloon dilation to widen the passage, laser therapy or electrocautery to remove obstructive tissue, or the placement of a stent to keep the airway open. This minimally invasive intervention is crucial for restoring normal breathing and improving a patient's quality of life by addressing the underlying obstruction safely and effectively.

Key Highlights

    Minimally invasive approach, often performed via bronchoscopy.Direct visualization allows for precise diagnosis and targeted treatment.Effective in restoring airway patency and improving breathing capacity.Can prevent serious complications like recurrent pneumonia or respiratory failure.Often performed as a same-day or short-stay procedure with a quicker recovery than open surgery.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Persistent shortness of breath (dyspnea) not explained by other lung conditions.
  • High-pitched breathing sounds (stridor) or wheezing localized to the central airway.
  • Recurrent lung infections or pneumonia due to poor airway clearance.
  • Difficulty clearing secretions from the lungs.
  • Stenosis caused by prolonged intubation, tracheostomy, trauma, tumors, or inflammatory conditions like granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
  • Failed response to standard medical management for obstructive symptoms.

How to prepare

  • Complete a thorough medical evaluation, including imaging studies like a CT scan of the chest.
  • Undergo pulmonary function tests to assess the degree of airflow limitation.
  • Discuss all current medications with the doctor; you may need to temporarily stop blood thinners.
  • Fast (no food or drink) for 6-8 hours before the procedure if sedation or anesthesia is planned.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as sedation effects will linger.

Risks & possible complications

  • Bleeding at the treatment site within the airway.
  • Infection or pneumonia following the procedure.
  • Perforation (a small tear) in the airway wall, which is rare but serious.
  • Swelling of the treated area, which can temporarily worsen breathing.
  • Reaction to sedatives or anesthesia used during the bronchoscopy.
  • Restenosis (re-narrowing) of the airway over time, requiring repeat procedures.
  • Displacement or mucus plugging of an implanted stent.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Immediate post-procedure monitoring in a recovery area for a few hours to ensure stable breathing.
  • You may have a sore throat, hoarseness, or cough for a few days; throat lozenges and gentle cough syrups can help.
  • Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and driving for 24-48 hours after sedation.
  • Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments for the pulmonologist to monitor healing and airway patency.
  • Use prescribed medications, such as inhalers or antibiotics, as directed.
  • Contact your doctor immediately if you experience fever, increased shortness of breath, or significant coughing up of blood.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0-2 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 3-7 days for routine activities, 2-3 weeks for full recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering airway stenosis in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for airway stenosis compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 551 – USD 2,753 0-2 days ~ 3-7 days for routine activities, 2-3 weeks for full recovery Know More
Turkey USD 4,098 – USD 20,489 0-2 days ~ 3-7 days for routine activities, 2-3 weeks for full recovery Know More

Top hospitals for Airway Stenosis in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated pulmonology teams and experience managing patients undergoing airway stenosis.

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3363+ Rating

Kamineni Hospital, King Koti

  • IconHyderabad, India
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1610+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Varthur Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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1161+ Rating

Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

  • IconGurgaon, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

Priya Das, a 42-year-old elementary school...

Priya Das, a 42-year-old elementary school teacher and mother of two, had a history of severe asthma. Over the past year, she noticed her inhalers were becoming less effective. She developed a constant, high-pitched wheeze, struggled to speak full sentences without gasping, and felt a terrifying tightness in her throat during even mild exertion. Her pulmonologist, Dr. Sharma, ordered a CT scan and bronchoscopy, which revealed significant subglottic stenosis, a narrowing of her windpipe just below the vocal cords, likely from years of inflammation. Dr. Sharma recommended balloon bronchoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure to gently stretch the narrowed airway open. Priya was terrified of anything involving her breathing but trusted her doctor. The procedure under sedation was quick; she felt immediate relief upon waking, able to take a deep, unobstructed breath for the first time in months. Recovery involved a day of observation and a sore throat, but within a week, her energy returned. Emotionally, she had been living in constant, quiet fear, anxious she wouldn't be able to keep up with her kids or classroom. Post-procedure, she felt liberated and deeply grateful, her confidence restored along with her breath.

Pulmonologists for Airway Stenosis

Explore experienced pulmonologists who regularly perform airway stenosis and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Divya Shree J
  • 3 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Pooja Bajaj
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. K Thiruppathi
  • Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vaibhav Pandharkar
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 750
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. RC Sahoo
  • 45 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Milind Kulkarni
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Raghu B Puttaswamy
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 750
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mohammed Attaullah Khan S
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1200
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mini Garg
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rajender Saini
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vishak Acharya
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 400
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated