Bacterial Tracheitis

Bacterial Tracheitis is a bacterial infection of the

trachea

. It's a rare but serious disease of the upper airway that happens mostly in children. This infection causes

inflammation

 and swelling of the trachea and may cause it to become obstructed. This will

compromise

 the child's ability to breathe. It is usually preceded by an

upper respiratory infection

 which may be present for several days before the child develops

fever

, severe cough, shortness of breath,

wheezing

, and

stridor

. If your child develops these symptoms, it is advised to seek urgent medical care.
Although bacterial tracheitis is considered to be a disease of the

pediatric population

, it can happen at any age.
Symptoms

Cough with mucus or without mucus

  • Barking cough

  • Production of yellowish-gray mucus

common

Fever

  • Greater than or equal to 38°C (100.4°F), Less than 38°C (100.4°F)

common

Noise while breathing

common

Difficulty breathing

  • Occurs when lying flat

common

Strained voice

common

Pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat

common

Fatigue

or Feeling sleepy

or Confusion

Abnormally rapid breathing

Excessive saliva flowing

Fainting

Bluish discoloration of the skin

  • Lips, In hand, Fingernails, In feet

Risk factors

Recent upper respiratory tract infection

Tracheostomy

Falling sick easily

Treatment
Bacterial Tracheitis is treated with

antibiotics

. If the breathing is compromised, a tube might be inserted into the trachea to in ventilation. It is essential to get treatment as quickly as possible. Most children recover and have no long-term complications, once they are past the acute phase.
Recommended specialist

If you have Bacterial Tracheitis, then visit a pulmonologist as soon as possible.

Contact a

Pulmonologist

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