Ask a doctor on the topic of Internal medicine

Tracheal displacement

August 6, 2012 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Michael Schröter

Hello,

I have been suffering from various symptoms for several months, including chest and back pain, as well as a feeling of pressure in the throat area. I also experience mild shortness of breath.

I have been examined several times, including two chest X-rays (Feb 12 and Aug 12). In both chest X-rays, a displacement of the trachea was visible, which the doctor deemed "irrelevant".

Since I did not fully trust this statement, I did some research on the internet. Here (especially on English-language websites), a displacement of the trachea is almost considered a medical emergency.

My question is: What is the situation with a tracheal displacement? Is it an emergency or not? Should I have a CT scan done?

Thank you and regards.

Dr. med. Michael Schröter

Hello,

a displacement of the trachea mostly occurs with enlargement of the thyroid gland. This can lead to a considerable narrowing, causing difficulty in breathing.

I wouldn't consider this an emergency right now, but I would recommend seeking further investigation as soon as possible. A CT or MRI scan would be helpful, as well as a thyroid examination with blood tests and possibly a thyroid scan. A slight displacement of the trachea may be tolerable, but difficulty in breathing, pain, and pressure sensation are not normal.

Please conduct the necessary investigations.

Kind regards,

Dr. Schröter