Guidelines
Bacterial Tracheitis

Bacterial Tracheitis

Routine Practices

Droplet/Contact precautions required for patients with Staphylococcus aureus tracheitis if a endotracheal tube of tracheostomy is in place for the duration of their illness.

  • Airway is priority; perform investigations in safe setting with intubation capacity, or after intubation if severe illness
  • Definitive diagnosis: visualization of inflamed epiglottis on laryngoscopy
  • Lateral/AP neck xrays – “thumb sign”
  • Neck CT if concern re: abscess
  • Blood cultures and surface laryngeal cultures prior to antibiotics
  • Recommend ID consult

Neonatal Treatment

Infants and Older Children Treatment

OR

+/-

If severely ill

Allergy Alternative

For severe beta-lactam allergy

AND

Duration of Therapy

7-10 days total

More Information

Al-Mutairi CPS Statement 2004 Available Here