Bacterial Tracheitis (ch.14) Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is bacterial tracheitis?
Bacterial tracheitis is a potentially lethal infection of the subglottic trachea
Bacterial tracheitis is also known as
Bacterial croup
Acute laryngotracheobronchitis
Membranous croup
What age group is most affected by bacterial tracheitis?
Bacterial tracheitis primarily affects children younger than 6 years of age
What types of viral infections can precede bacterial tracheitis?
Viral infections that can precede bacterial tracheitis include Flu A or B, RSV, Measles, and Parainfluenza
Which children are more susceptible to bacterial tracheitis?
Children with a tracheostomy tube are more susceptible to bacterial tracheitis.
What is the pathophysiology of bacterial tracheitis?
Bacteria invade the damaged tracheal mucosa caused by a viral upper respiratory tract infection, leading to local and systemic inflammatory responses, resulting in bacterial tracheitis.
What are some symptoms associated with bacterial tracheitis?
Symptoms include edema, thick mucopurulent secretions, ulceration, mucosal sloughing, and subglottic narrowing
What is the “candle dripping sign” seen in radiologic features of bacterial tracheitis?
The “candle dripping sign” refers to haziness of the tracheal mucosa, often seen in bacterial tracheitis on radiographs.
How is bacterial tracheitis definitively diagnosed?
Direct visualization via bronchoscopy is used for definitive diagnosis
What is the primary indication for bronchoscopy in bacterial tracheitis?
Bronchoscopy is indicated in moderate to severe cases to relieve airway obstruction by suctioning exudates and obtaining specimens for culture
What is a key indicator that bacterial tracheitis is suspected in a patient?
Bacterial tracheitis should be suspected if nebulized racemic epinephrine or steroids do not improve the clinical course
What type of respiratory distress is present with bacterial tracheitis?
(Frank rspt distress)
Cyanosis
lethargy /combative
Subglottic obstruction
What are the main treatment options for bacterial tracheitis?
Antibiotics for 10-14 days, intubation for airway compromise, supplemental humidified oxygen, nebulized racemic epinephrine, inhaled heliox, and avoiding agitation.
