Bacterial tracheitis: a case report.
An 18-month-old girl was brought to the emergency room of Chang Gung Children's Hospital with inspiratory stridor, suprasternal retractions and imminent respiratory failure. Despite orotracheal intubation, persistent poor air-entry was noted. Flexible bronchoscopy via the endotracheal tube showed a copious amount of mucopurulent secretions in the tracheobronchial tree without any foreign bodies. With vigorous suctioning and antibiotic treatment, she had a rapid recovery. Tracheal aspirates showed a growth of Haemophilus influenzae. Cefamandole was used with good response. In conclusion, although bacterial tracheitis is an uncommon obstructive upper airway disease in children, using a bronchoscope to diagnose and to guide specific therapy can decrease the morbidity and mortality.
Wong
K S
KS
Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Taiwan.
Chou
M L
ML
Wang
C C
CC
Lan
R S
RS
D001999:Bronchoscopy; D005260:Female; D006192:Haemophilus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D014136:Tracheitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy