Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content + Download Section PDF Listen ++ For further information, see CMDT Part 9-04: Disorders of the Lower Airways + Key Features Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Causes include Airway secretions Aspirated secretions or gastric contents Foreign body Bronchomalacia Airway tumor Extrinsic compression by mass, lymph node or blood vessel Recurrent pneumonia in the same location or slow resolution (> 3 mo) of a pulmonary opacity suggests obstruction + Clinical Findings Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Dyspnea, cough, wheezing, and pulmonary infection may occur Radiographs may show Atelectasis Postobstructive infiltrates Air trapping CT scan may demonstrate the nature and exact location of obstruction + Diagnosis Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Bronchoscopy is required for definitive diagnosis + Treatment Download Section PDF Listen +++ ++ Treatment of infection, if present Definitive treatment depends on the cause of the obstruction