Sometimes your little one has a common cold or cough that turns into a serious condition that makes it difficult to breathe, right? We often think that this is normal, maybe just a sore throat. However, sometimes behind this is a condition called Bacterial Tracheitis , which is a bit unexpected and requires immediate treatment. Although this is a very rare condition, it can affect a child's life, so it is very important for every mother and father to be aware of this.
Why does Bacterial Tracheitis occur?
Simply put, Bacterial Tracheitis is an infection of our windpipe, the main tube through which we breathe (trachea). This windpipe is the tube that runs from our voice box down to the main airways (bronchi) that connect to the lungs.
This condition usually doesn't develop suddenly. Most often, it happens like this:
First, the child develops a viral infection, such as the common cold. This virus damages the delicate lining of the trachea. Just as germs can easily enter when our skin is injured, bacteria can enter this damaged trachea and cause an infection. This is called Bacterial Tracheitis.
Even a child who is in good health can develop this condition. However, if the disease is diagnosed and treated early, recovery is faster.
There are some children who need special attention. That is, immunocompromised children. Also, children who have a tracheostomy tube in their trachea for some reason are at higher risk of developing this infection. Things like cleaning the tube daily in such children should be done carefully.
This disease is most common in children between the ages of 3 and 8. Also, this condition is most common during cold, rainy seasons when colds and flu are common.
What are the symptoms of this disease?
At first, it starts like a normal viral infection. After a day or two, the symptoms suddenly become severe. Some children may even show severe symptoms right from the start. It is very important to be aware of these symptoms.
| Symptom | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Stridor (a harsh, vibrating sound when breathing) | This is the main symptom. A harsh, sharp sound that comes from the throat when the child inhales. This sound is caused by the airway becoming swollen and narrow. |
| Harsh Cough | A cough that is different from a normal cough, deep and barking. |
| High fever | The fever rises due to a bacterial infection in the body. |
| Thick, sticky mucus | Infection in the airways causes thick, sticky mucus to be produced. This mucus makes breathing more difficult. |
| Difficulty breathing | When breathing, the muscles in the chest and neck seem to pull in. The child is having a hard time breathing. |
| Drooling | The throat is swollen, making it difficult to swallow saliva. This can cause saliva to escape from the mouth. |
If you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor without delay. If your child is having a hard time breathing, you may need to go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
How does the doctor diagnose and treat this?
After examining the child's symptoms, if the doctor suspects this, he or she will do certain things to confirm and treat the disease.
Diagnosis and treatment
In this situation, the child must be hospitalized. Sometimes, treatment may require hospitalization in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) .
The main thing is to keep the child's airway open. To do this, a specialist (such as an ear, nose, and throat specialist) will perform a test called a bronchoscopy . This involves passing a thin tube with a small camera into the airway to examine the inside. This procedure is also used to remove thick mucus that is blocking the airway.
Since this is a bacterial infection, intravenous antibiotics are definitely given. This treatment will take about 10 to 14 days. In addition, oxygen is also given to make it easier for the child to breathe.
Recovery and risks
With proper treatment, most children recover completely within 3 to 12 days. There is no permanent damage. However, very rarely, after a tube is placed in the airway, the airway may become narrowed slightly.
However, we must also remember that this can be a dangerous condition. If treatment is delayed or the infection is very severe, some complications can occur. For example, heart failure, lack of oxygen to the brain, collapsed lungs, `Septic Shock` or `Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)` can occur. This is why early treatment is so important.
In such a situation, a team consisting of anesthesiologists, ear, nose and throat specialists, infectious disease specialists, and intensive care unit doctors treat the child.
How can you protect your child from situations like this?
The best thing to do is to prevent the disease before it occurs. Bacterial Tracheitis often starts after a viral infection like measles or influenza (flu), so protecting your child from those viruses is the most important thing.
The best solution is to give your child all the necessary vaccinations on time. Especially things like the influenza vaccine, which is given to children with weakened immune systems, go a long way in protecting them from such serious complications.
Take-Home Message
- Bacterial Tracheitis is a dangerous respiratory infection that can occur in young children after a common cold.
- If your child is making a hoarse sound when breathing, has a high fever, and has a severe cough, see a doctor immediately.
- This may require hospitalization and possibly intensive care treatment. So don't panic and follow your doctor's instructions.
- If diagnosed and treated early, the child can recover completely without any permanent damage.
- Getting your child vaccinated on time, especially against influenza and measles, can help protect them from these serious infections.
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