©The Author(s) 2026. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Methodol. Mar 20, 2026; 16(1): 108381
Published online Mar 20, 2026. doi: 10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.108381
Published online Mar 20, 2026. doi: 10.5662/wjm.v16.i1.108381
Excessive dynamic airway collapse: A condition behind the veil
Vivek Paudyal, Rubi Thapa, Department of General Practice and Emergency Medicine, Karnali Academy of Health Science, Jumla 21200, Nepal
Asmita Itani, Department of General Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Munish Sharma, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Baylor Scott and White, Temple, LA 76508, United States
Rabindra Rayamajhi, Department of Medicine, Baylor Scott and White, Temple, TX 76508, United States
Iqbal Ratnani, Department of Anesthesiology, Houston Methodist, Houston, TX 77030, United States
Salim Surani, Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, Laredo, TX 77843, United States
Author contributions: Paudyal V and Thapa R reviewed the literature, wrote the manuscript, and created the table; Itani A wrote the manuscript and edited it; Sharma M contributed to revising and editing the paper; Rayamajhi R, Ratnani I, and Surani S contributed to revising, editing, and final approval of the manuscript; all authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: None of the authors has any conflict of interest to disclose.
Corresponding author: Salim Surani, MD, Professor, Department of Medicine and Pharma
Received: April 14, 2025
Revised: June 4, 2025
Accepted: September 1, 2025
Published online: March 20, 2026
Processing time: 304 Days and 7 Hours
Revised: June 4, 2025
Accepted: September 1, 2025
Published online: March 20, 2026
Processing time: 304 Days and 7 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: Excessive dynamic airway collapse (EDAC) is a less recognized condition with expiratory airflow limitations that is caused by laxity in the posterior membranous wall, leading to the excessive narrowing of the central airway lumen. The overlap of EDAC symptoms with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma often delays the accurate diagnosis. This mini-review discusses the role of dynamic imaging modalities in EDAC diagnosis and the different approaches in the management of EDAC, ranging from conservative treatments to surgical options like tracheobronchoplasty. Standardizing diagnostic criteria, tailoring management strategies, and increasing research are crucial in improving patient outcomes in EDAC.