Tracheitis is inflammation in the windpipe that’s most common in children. It’s caused by a bacterial infection that usually develops after recovering from a viral infection, like the flu. If you notice signs of tracheitis — like a barking cough and trouble breathing — seek emergency care. Tracheitis can be life-threatening without treatment.
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Tracheitis is inflammation in your windpipe (trachea), most often due to bacterial infections. Your windpipe is the tunnel that allows air to flow down your throat and into your lungs. But with tracheitis, the tissue in your windpipe becomes infected and inflamed. The swelling can narrow your windpipe and block airflow.
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Anyone can develop tracheitis. But it’s most common (and most serious) in babies and young children. Children develop the bacterial infection that leads to tracheitis after recovering from a viral infection, like the flu.
A child’s windpipe is so small that even a little swelling can lead to serious issues. This is why it’s essential to seek emergency care if you’re seeing signs of tracheitis in your child.
Symptoms usually worsen over one to three days. What starts as a dry, harsh-sounding cough may progress to trouble breathing. Signs and symptoms of tracheitis include:
Sometimes, tracheitis symptoms progress faster — within 24 hours. No matter the timeline, seek emergency treatment immediately if you or your child has trouble breathing.
A bacterial infection that follows a viral upper respiratory infection is usually what causes tracheitis. The virus in your windpipe damages the tissue. This creates an opportunity for bacteria in your throat to set up shop in the injured tissue. There, they cause a new infection. Bacteria that cause tracheitis include:
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The infected tissue becomes inflamed and starts secreting fluid that contains pus. The swelling and drainage can block your airway.
Viral infections are the biggest risk factors for developing bacterial tracheitis. Common viruses, like the ones that cause the flu and the common cold, are the most common culprits.
Vaccinations are the best way to prevent bacterial tracheitis. Get all recommended childhood vaccinations for your child, including the flu and COVID shots. These shots protect against several infections that can lead to tracheitis in adults, too.
Complications of tracheitis are rare, but they can happen. They include:
Without prompt treatment, these complications can result in death. Seeking care fast can prevent the unthinkable from happening.
If symptoms are severe, the healthcare team may stabilize your breathing prior to obtaining tests.
To diagnose tracheitis, your care team will ask you questions about your illness. They’ll check oxygen levels and provide a series of tests, which may include:
Treatment of tracheitis depends on symptom severity. You may need oxygen. At times, you may need a mask or a breathing tube to help with breathing. In severe cases, treatment takes place in the intensive care unit.
An IV will deliver antibiotics to kill the strains of bacteria that usually cause tracheitis. In addition, your healthcare provider may use steroids to calm the inflammation in your trachea.
Recovery time varies. Once they start antibiotics, most people improve in two to three days. If you were admitted into the hospital, you may need to stay there until you can breathe on your own. Mucus and discomfort can last up to a week after treatment starts. It may take seven to 10 days to finish a course of antibiotics.
Seek emergency treatment right away if you or your child is having trouble breathing. Time is of the essence when it comes to tracheitis.
With prompt medical attention, most children make a full recovery. Make sure your child takes all antibiotics as prescribed.
Conditions that end in -itis mean inflammation in a specific organ. So tracheitis is inflammation in your trachea. Bronchitis is inflammation in your bronchi, the airways leading from your trachea to your lungs. Both involve infections that can cause a pesky cough. Unlike tracheitis, bronchitis doesn’t usually lead to life-threatening airway obstruction.
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Upper respiratory infections are so common in children that it can be hard to know if your child has something serious, like tracheitis. This is why it’s important to know the signs. A child who was recovering from a virus but now seems to be getting sicker may have tracheitis. If your child is having trouble breathing, seek emergency care.
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Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
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