Rapid Review: Bacterial Tracheitis

Bacterial Tracheitis

• Patient will be 3–5 years old
• High fever, barky cough, stridor
• Treat as airway emergency!
• Comments: Patient will look like croup but toxic appearing

Sample Question: A 3-year-old boy presents in severe respiratory distress. His mother informs you that he has been ill for the last five days, initially with a low-grade fever and “barky cough.”  He was seen at an urgent care facility four days ago and given a “breathing treatment” and discharged on steroids. He has become progressively worse despite compliance with the steroid regimen, which prompted his mother to call an ambulance this morning. He is otherwise healthy and up to date on his immunizations. On examination, the child is toxic in appearance and febrile. His oropharynx is clear. You hear both inspiratory and expiratory stridor. What is the most likely diagnosis?