Warning Signs Of Bacterial Tracheitis

Bacterial tracheitis is an infection of the trachea (windpipe) caused by bacteria. It is a condition that primarily affects children. It is a rare and lethal condition usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus and streptococci. It is important to get bacterial tracheitis diagnosed and treated because it can be life-threatening. However, with proper and timely treatment, most children will recover successfully.

Treatment for bacterial tracheitis usually includes endotracheal intubation and antibiotics. It is a scary situation, but there are some warning signs individuals should be aware of if they have children. Knowing the warning signs can be integral in getting treatment quickly and increasing the chance of recovery. Doctors need all the facts and symptoms the child is suffering from, so they can make a proper diagnosis.

Initial Cold Symptoms

Many children suffer from the common cold, and the majority of them recover without incident. But, if the cold gets worse and does not seem to clear up, it is important to look at the initial cold symptoms, like a cough or fever. These symptoms can intensify, leaving a child very sick and having difficulty breathing. Even though bacterial tracheitis is rare, any progression of symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Without medical intervention, bacterial tracheitis can be very dangerous and lead to death. So, it is important to rule it out and find out what the underlying illness is, then the child can be treated and hopefully successfully recover under medical supervision. Parents should understand sometimes a cold can develop into something that is more than a cold. They need to carefully watch their children and keep track of their symptoms, so they can get the correct diagnosis quickly from medical professionals.

Cyanosis

Cyanosis is a blue tinge to a child's skin, and it is a result of not getting enough oxygen while breathing. Patients might notice the bluish color around the core, lips, tongue, or the extremities and fingers. This is indicative of the child not getting enough air in through the mouth or nose to the lungs for proper oxygenation of the blood. This is the result of the bacteria inflaming the trachea and possibly blocking it. The cause needs to be found and diagnosed so it can be corrected, and the child can begin breathing more normally. To aid the child in getting more oxygen, they may need supplemental oxygen or intubation so the underlying condition can be managed while letting the machines supply oxygen for them because they are not able to do it without assistance.

Wheezing

Wheezing is a symptom that can be attributed to various conditions, like bronchitis, asthma, allergies, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, it can also be present if the child is suffering from bacterial tracheitis. The condition is described as being a high-pitched whistling sound and it happens when the child breaths and can occur upon inhalation or exhalation.

Wheezing generally means the lungs are struggling to move air in and out and it may result in the need for medication or oxygen. The child may be given breathing treatments that have medicine in it to help quell the lungs and make it easier to breathe by reducing inflammation, causing a narrowing of the airway. This symptom should be viewed in conjunction with other symptoms to determine the cause of the distress and make the correct diagnosis.

Nasal Flaring

Nasal flaring, when the nostrils widen to try to inhale more oxygen, usually happens when a child is having a hard time breathing. As with many of the warning signs of bacterial tracheitis, nostril flaring is a generic symptom that can be attributed to any condition that inhibits breathing. This symptom usually happens in infants and young children. It should be noted nasal flaring by itself might be benign.

However, when evaluated with other symptoms, like stridor or cyanosis, it can be a serious symptom. Helping the child get more oxygen, whether through a mask or through intubation will help quell nasal flaring. However, medical evaluation of the underlying condition is critical so the child will be able to breathe properly and not struggle so hard that their nostrils are flaring out to try to get more air.

Stridor

Stridor is its own kind of wheezing. It is caused by disrupted airflow and is often referred to as musical breathing. This generally happens with every breath and is harsh and noisy. Because stridor is indicative of a blockage in the trachea, it is critical the source of the sound is determined. However, there are many other times a child will exhibit this symptom, including croup. Therefore, all the symptoms must be evaluated together, and intervention must be made quickly in case the child is not able to get air in or out. If this happens, more symptoms will appear, and the child will be in more distress. However, if it is caused by bacterial tracheitis, successful treatment will reduce or eliminate the condition and allow the child to breathe normally again. Understanding stridor is vital to the diagnosis of the correct condition.