Tracheal deviation is when your windpipe (trachea) is shifted to one side or the other instead of going straight down between the top parts of your lungs. The most common cause is a collapsed lung. But tumors, an enlarged thyroid and other conditions can also cause it. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you’re having difficulty breathing or chest pain.
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Tracheal deviation is when your windpipe (trachea) is shifted to one side of your chest or the other. Your trachea (TRAY-kee-uh) is a tube that air travels through on its way to your lungs. It connects your upper airways to your lower airways between your throat and chest. Deviation is when something is different than what you’d expect.
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Your trachea usually goes straight up and down, between the upper parts of your lungs. Injury, diseases and certain health conditions can cause an adult's trachea to move to the left or right. This can make it difficult for air to move in and out of your lungs. In young kids, some amount of tracheal deviation can be normal.
Tracheal deviation is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you’re having difficulty breathing or chest pain.
Symptoms include:
There are many different causes of tracheal deviation, including:
Pressure from these conditions can make the trachea shift one way or the other. Complications of surgery to remove all or part of a lung can also cause it.
Tracheal deviation can cause difficulty breathing. It also can cause complications when undergoing anesthesia or being intubated (getting a breathing tube).
Healthcare providers can see tracheal deviation on imaging, like X-rays and CT scans. You might get imaging to help diagnose symptoms you’re having or before a medical procedure.
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To treat tracheal deviation, healthcare providers have to treat the cause. This might mean draining fluid from your chest to relieve pressure. Or you might need surgery or medications to treat tumors, scarring or other health conditions. Your provider will let you know what treatment to expect based on the cause of the deviation.
If you have a health condition that could lead to tracheal deviation, talk to your healthcare provider about symptoms to look out for.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you:
What to expect depends on the cause. In young kids, it doesn’t need to be treated unless another health condition is causing it. In adults, treatment for the cause is necessary. Your healthcare provider can let you know what to expect.
Adults who have tracheal deviation need to see a healthcare provider right away. Not all causes are life-threatening. But anything that makes it harder to breathe needs immediate attention. Early treatment gives you the best chance for recovery.
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Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
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