Tracheitis is an infection of the windpipe (trachea) that makes breathing difficult.
Tracheitis symptoms include a cough similar to croup, fever, and wheezing.
Tracheitis is a medical emergency.
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This article discusses tracheitis.
It explains the causes and symptoms of trachea infections, their treatment, and signs requiring emergency care.
While bacteria is often the culprit, fungal infections, such asAspergillusandZygomycetes, can causetracheostomy-associated tracheitis.
Most adult cases of tracheitis occur in patients who are already hospitalized.
If your child is experiencing stridor or cyanosis, seek emergency medical treatment or call 9-1-1.
What Are the Symptoms in Adults?
It is often described as barking, brassy, or resembling a seals bark.
This cough makes it easy to confuse the two illnesses.
The following features can help distinguish tracheitis from croup.
Tracheitis is a diagnosis based on symptom history, physical examination, and testing.
How Is Tracheitis Treated?
Aggressive treatment early on is important in properly managing tracheitis.
This can be done while awake using a tool with a small mirror and a light.
In some cases, a more advanced laryngoscopy may be needed.
This is done under general anesthesia and uses a tube called a laryngoscope.
During this procedure, your healthcare provider will clear secretions and membranes from the airway to prevent obstruction.
If cultures come back resistant to these antibiotics, they may be changed to a different regimen.
Summary
Tracheitis is a rare, life-threatening infection of the trachea.
In children, tracheitis is usually a complication of a viral chest infection.
A secondary bacterial infection can occur, causing airway swelling that restricts breathing.
In adults, tracheitis can be due to a bacterial or fungal infection.
In many cases, children with tracheitis will require a breathing tube and close monitoring in the ICU.
IV antibiotics or antifungal medications are needed to erase the infection.
With prompt treatment, most children with tracheitis make a complete recovery.
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