Physician Communication Guide
Use these talking points and questions to have a productive conversation with your healthcare provider about tracheobronchomalacia evaluation.
Before Your Appointment
- 1Complete the anonymous symptom checklist and print or download the session summary before refreshing or closing the app.
- 2Write down your symptom history — when symptoms started, what makes them worse, what you've tried
- 3List all medications and treatments that have not helped your symptoms
- 4Bring this guide to reference during your appointment
Use these statements to frame your conversation with your physician:
I've been experiencing persistent respiratory symptoms that haven't responded to standard treatments.
I've done research and my symptom pattern is consistent with a condition called tracheobronchomalacia.
I understand this condition requires specialized testing — specifically a dynamic CT scan with expiratory views, or a flexible bronchoscopy.
I'd like to discuss whether these evaluations would be appropriate given my symptoms.
I've prepared a symptom summary that documents my concerns.
Could my symptoms be caused by tracheobronchomalacia?
Why ask this: Opens the conversation and introduces TBM as a possibility.
Would you recommend a dynamic CT scan with paired inspiratory and expiratory images?
Why ask this: This specific type of CT can reveal airway collapse that standard CT cannot.
Can you refer me to a pulmonologist who has experience with central airway disorders?
Why ask this: Not all pulmonologists are familiar with TBM evaluation and management.
If imaging is suggestive, would a flexible bronchoscopy with dynamic assessment be the next step?
Why ask this: Bronchoscopy is the gold standard for TBM diagnosis.
Are there specialized centers you would recommend for airway disorder evaluation?
Why ask this: Centers of excellence have the most experience with TBM diagnosis and treatment.
Could my previous diagnoses (asthma, COPD) be masking an underlying airway malacia?
Why ask this: TBM frequently coexists with or is misdiagnosed as asthma or COPD.
You may share these references with your physician for additional context:
Tracheobronchomalacia and Excessive Dynamic Airway Collapse
Murgu SD, Colt HG. Respirology. 2006;11(4):388-406
Prevalence of Tracheobronchomalacia in Patients with COPD
Boiselle PM, et al. Radiology. 2009;252(1):227-235
Management of Tracheobronchomalacia
Ernst A, et al. Expert Rev Respir Med. 2008;2(4):527-533
Dynamic Airway Collapse and Tracheobronchomalacia
Majid A, Fernandez-Bussy S. Expert Rev Respir Med. 2013;7(6):677-688