Tracheitis overview
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Tracheitis Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Tracheitis overview On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Tracheitis overview |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Tracheitis is a bacterial infection of the trachea and is capable of producing airway obstruction.
Causes
Bacterial tracheitis is most often caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. It frequently follows a recent viral upper respiratory infection.
Risk Factors
Tracheitis affects mostly young children, possibly because their small trachea is easily blocked by swelling.
Diagnosis
Physical Examination
The muscles between the ribs may pull in as the child tries to breathe.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
In more severe cases, it is treated by admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) and intubation is performed and various monitors and tubes are used to check on the condition e.g. cardiac heart monitor chest drain so tension pneumothorax or pneumothorax or pneumonia doesn't form while ventilated. The child will receive antibiotics through a vein and oxygen. The health care team will closely monitor the child's breathing.