11/12/2025
What causes subglottic stenosis?
Subglottic stenosis is caused by inflammation which results in scar tissue. Trauma is globally the most common cause. There is, however, a distinct group of patients who have isolated inflammation of the subglottis with no known cause. This is referred to as idiopathic subglottic stenosis. It can also be associated with autoimmune diseases.
A) Concentric subglottic ulceration in teenage boy intubated for 2 weeks after severe head injury
B) Resultant “hard” subglottic stenosis months later.