Catherine Anderson

Where is the trachea?

This image shows the relative positions of the esophagus (for food) and the trachea (for air).

 

Image courtesy of Cleveland Clinic

Stenosis

When the trachea is narrowed below the voice box, this is the condition known as SubGlottic Stenosis (SGS)

 

Image courtesy of Cleveland Clinic

The Rough Guide to SGS is updated at least annually and is made available to all members of the Facebook group.

This episode is also available as a video at https://youtu.be/hlBIIh-MGpI

Catherine Anderson was diagnosed with idiopathic subglottic stenosis. She has not only done research for her own case, she created a support group on Facebook for others with SGS of any origin: injury during surgery, injury during intubation for COVID or other emergency conditions, or “idiopathic” as in her case — cause unknown.

A professional researcher, she has applied her research skills to learning about the condition and pooling the experiences of the patients who have found their way to the support group, thus helping to educate both patients and physicians about this condition. She has created a strong partnership among the patients and physicians.

She has created a “Rough Guide to SGS” to help patients understand what is going on, how to find a doctor who can help, and how to achieve at least symptomatic relief. The Rough Guide is updated about twice a year, and the link posted for all members of the group.

If you are experiencing breathing issues that sound like those described in this video, please consider joining http://www.facebook.com/groups/airwaystenosis