Bacterial Tracheitis Flashcards
1
Q
Pathology
A
- Rare, potentially life-threatening exudative infection
- Characterised by mucosal ulceration, pseudomembrane formation, airway obstruction risk (due to edema)
2
Q
Causes
A
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Moraxella catarrhalis
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Haemophilus influenzae
3
Q
Risk factors
A
- Antecedent viral infections
- Commonly affects children
4
Q
Complications include:
A
- Pneumonia
- Septicaemia
- Hypoxia (secondary to airway obstruction)
- Cardiorespiratory arrest
5
Q
Signs and symptoms
A
- Acute onset of fever, hoarseness, sore throat
- Productive barky cough with copious tracheal secretions and retrosternal pain
- Progressive respiratory distress
- Dyspnea, fatigue, and decreased levels of consciousness
6
Q
Diagnosis
A
- Chest x-ray (upper tracheal narrowing and tracheal pseudomembranes = irregular shadows)
Lab results
- CBC: leukocytosis, left shift
Microbe identification
- Positive tracheal culture and Gram stain
Other diagnostics
- Laryngoscopy = subglotting edema; tracheal lumen narrowing, presence of grayish exudate and pus
7
Q
Treatment
A
- Broad range of antibiotic coverage
Other interventions
- Ventilatory support
- Fluid management
