Treatment:

The child often needs to have a tube placed into the airways to help with breathing. This is called an endotracheal tube.

The child will receive antibiotics through a vein and oxygen. The health care team will closely monitor the child's breathing.

Expectations (prognosis):

With prompt treatment, the patient is expected to recover.

Complications:

• Airway obstruction -- can lead to death
• Toxic shock syndrome -- if caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus

Calling your health care provider:

Tracheitis is an emergency medical condition. Go to the emergency room if your child has had a recent upper respiratory infection and suddenly has a high fever, a cough that gets worse, and trouble breathing.