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Tracheitis

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Definition:

Tracheitis is a bacterial infection of the windpipe (trachea).

Alternative Names:

Bacterial tracheitis; Acute bacterial tracheitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Bacterial tracheitis is most often caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. It frequently follows a recent viral upper respiratory infection . It affects mostly young children, possibly because their small trachea is easily blocked by swelling.

• Review Date: 2/12/2007
• Reviewed By: Alden J. Pearl, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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