Tracheitis refers to an acute inflammation of the trachea, or respiratory tract. Sufferers of tracheitis often experience partially blocked or potentially fully obstructed airways. This particular affliction occurs most often in very young children (generally 3 years of age and younger). The reason for their susceptibility is likely due to the relatively small and underdeveloped size of the trachea in youngsters of this age group. Tracheitis can be a serious emergency that merits immediate medical attention--seek medical treatment in the event your child suffers from an upper-respiratory infection, extreme bouts of deep coughing, or experiences any difficulties with their breathing.
Bacterial Infection
Tracheitis can frequently result from an infection caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. Tracheitis often develops following a patient's recent bout with an upper respiratory infection, such as bronchitis or laryngitis. Parents of young children should pay special attention to the symptoms of bacterial tracheitis, which can include deep coughing, chest pains, and breathing difficulties. According to a report in the January 2004 publication of "Paediatrics & Child Health," the only definitive method of diagnosing bacterial tracheitis is via direct visualization of the trachea. Furthermore, management of the illness includes the early initiation of antibiotics, pain management, and airway clearance techniques; more severe cases may require emergency intubation by skilled health care workers.
Allergic Reaction
Severe allergic reactions in the body can lead to edema, or the collection of fluid, within the upper airways. Serious cases of this nature can potentially result in constrictions of the respiratory tract, as well as severe swelling of the lips and tongue--these symptoms can serve to block the respiratory tract and make breathing painful and problematic. Individuals suffering from suspected allergic reactions should seek immediate medical attention.
Foreign Substances
Inhalation or the ingestion of a myriad of foreign substances can lead to upper respiratory infections and, ultimately, tracheitis. These include the lodging of nondigestible solids within the upper airway as well as the inhalation of various gases or toxic fumes. In addition, tracheitis can sometimes result from the irritations or blunt trauma caused by the insertion of breathing tubes during medical procedures.
Smoking
Besides lung cancer and emphysema, cigarette smoking in adults can also contribute to chronic airway infections that eventually lead to tracheitis. Prolonged smoking of tobacco, and even severe alcohol abuse, causes scarring and the progressive degeneration of tissue within the respiratory tract. This may injure the lining of the trachea and increase the likelihood of bacterial or viral infection. Furthermore, according to a report by the Surgeon General, the children of smoking parents have been shown to suffer from more frequent respiratory illnesses, including tracheitis, than children of parents who do not smoke.
References
- "The New York Times": Health Guide--Tracheitis
- "Paediatrics & Child Health"; Bacterial tracheitis in children - Approach to diagnosis and treatment; Bandar Al-Mutairi and Valerie Kirk; January 2004
- Office of the Surgeon General: The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the Surgeon General
