Tracheitis physical examination

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:

Overview

Patients with tracheitis usually appear toxic, lethargic and in respiratory distress. They may be aggressive due to hypoxia and hypercarbia. Physical examination of patients with tracheitis is usually remarkable for tachycardia, tachypnea, and stridor.

Physical Examination

Physical examination of patients with tracheitis is usually remarkable for stridor, tracheal tenderness, and intercostal retractions.

Appearance of the Patient

• Patients with bacterial tracheitis may appear toxic, lethargic and in respiratory distress.

Vital Signs

• Fever

• Tachycardia

• Tachypnea

• Hypotension

Skin

• Cyanosis in impending respiratory distress

HEENT

• Inflamed nares / congested nares
• Purulent exudate from the nares
• Erythematous throat
• Mild drooling

Neck

• Lymphadenopathy may be present
• Tracheal tenderness on palpation

Lungs

• Stridor (Inspiratory or Biphasic)
• Decreased chest expansion
• Coarse crackles upon auscultation of the lungs bilaterally
• Egophony present when pneumonia develops as a complication
• Bronchophony present when pneumonia develops as a complication

Heart

• Rapid heart rate can be heard on auscultation

Abdomen

• Abdominal examination of patients with tracheitis is usually normal.

Back

• Back examination of patients with tracheitis is usually normal.

Genitourinary

• Genitourinary examination of patients with tracheitis is usually normal.

Neuromuscular

• Neuromuscular examination of patients with tracheitis is usually normal
• Altered mental status/ acute confusion may be present in hypoxemic individuals

Extremities

• Cyanosis can be seen in hypoxemia.