Tracheitis (patient information)

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 * Assistant Editor-in-Chief: Alexandra M. Palmer

Overview
Tracheitis is a bacterial infection of the windpipe (trachea).

What are the symptoms of Tracheitis?

 * Deep cough (similar to that caused by croup)
 * Difficulty breathing
 * High fever
 * High-pitched breathing sound (stridor)

What causes Tracheitis?
Bacterial tracheitis is most often caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. It frequently follows a recent viral upper respiratory infection.

Who is at highest risk?
Tracheitis affects mostly young children, possibly because their small trachea is easily blocked by swelling.

When to seek urgent medical care?
Tracheitis is an emergency medical condition. Go to the emergency room if your child has had a recent upper respiratory infection and suddenly has a high fever, a cough that gets worse, and trouble breathing.

Diagnosis
The health care provider will perform a physical exam and listen to the child's lungs. The muscles between the ribs may pull in as the child tries to breathe. This is called intercostal retractions.

Tests that may be done to diagnose this condition include:
 * Blood oxygen level
 * Nasopharyngeal culture to look for bacteria
 * Tracheal culture to look for bacteria
 * X-ray of the trachea

Treatment options
The child often needs to have a tube placed into the airways to help with breathing. This is called an endotracheal tube.

The child will receive antibiotics through a vein and oxygen. The health care team will closely monitor the child's breathing.

Where to find medical care for Tracheitis?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Tracheitis

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
With prompt treatment, the child should recover.

Possible complications

 * Airway obstruction -- can lead to death
 * Toxic shock syndrome -- if caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus