Skip to main content

Tracheitis, Pediatric

Charles A. Pohl, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Infection of the trachea associated with airway inflammation and obstruction 
  • Acute tracheitis: sudden onset; higher morbidity and mortality

  • Subacute tracheitis: indolent presentation ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Hyperpyrexia; nonpainful, brassy cough; noisy respirations; lethargy; dyspnea; rapid progression of airway occlusion (hours to a few days)

  • Hoarseness, dysphagia, neck pain, drooling, a...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Support by stabilizing circulation, airway, breathing (ABCs).

  • Maintain airway.

  • Initiate IV, oxygen, and monitor.

  • Rapid assessment of ABCs is essential with emphasis on airway co...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

  • Routine surveillance cultures in children with artificial airways are not recommended. They usually represent colonization in an asymptomatic pa...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Dawood FS, Chaves SS, Pérez A, et al; for Emerging Infections Program Network. Complications and associated bacterial coinfections among children hospitalized with seasonal or pande...

CODES

ICD9

  • 464.10 Acute tracheitis without mention of obstruction

  • 464.11 Acute tracheitis with obstruction

  • 464.30 Acute epiglottitis without mention of obstruction

  • 464.20 Acute laryngotracheitis without m...

FAQ

  • Q: How can you differentiate a child with severe croup from one with tracheitis?

  • A: Infectious croup and tracheitis can present with similar features of fever, toxic appearance, respiratory distres...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

Sign Up for a 10-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 10-day FREE Trial now and receive full access to all content.

×