Tracheitis (patient information): Difference between revisions
No edit summary |
|||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
==What causes Tracheitis?== | ==What causes Tracheitis?== | ||
[[Bacterial tracheitis]] is most often caused by the [[bacteria]] [[Staphylococcus aureus]]. It frequently follows a recent [[viral]] [[upper respiratory infection]]. | [[Bacterial tracheitis]] is most often caused by the [[bacteria]] [[Staphylococcus aureus]]. It frequently follows a recent [[viral]] [[upper respiratory infection]]. | ||
==Who is at risk for Tracheitis?== | |||
[[Tracheitis]] affects mostly young children, possibly because their small [[trachea]] is easily blocked by [[swelling]]. | |||
==How do I know I have Tracheitis?== | ==How do I know I have Tracheitis?== | ||
Revision as of 14:49, 4 March 2010
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-in-Chief: Alexandra M. Palmer
Please Join in Editing This Page and Apply to be an Editor-In-Chief for this topic: There can be one or more than one Editor-In-Chief. You may also apply to be an Associate Editor-In-Chief of one of the subtopics below. Please mail us [1] to indicate your interest in serving either as an Editor-In-Chief of the entire topic or as an Associate Editor-In-Chief for a subtopic. Please be sure to attach your CV and or biographical sketch.
What is Tracheitis?
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 risk for Tracheitis?
Tracheitis affects mostly young children, possibly because their small trachea is easily blocked by swelling.
How do I know I have Tracheitis?
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
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.
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
Prevention of 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