Inflammation of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi, caused by a viral or a bacterial infection.
The disorder is usually mild, but can be life-threatening.
It is a common cause of croup in young children.
n. a severe and almost exclusively viral infection of the respiratory tract, especially of young children, in whom there may be a dangerous degree of obstruction either at the larynx (see croup) or main air passages (bronchi) due to the thickness and stickiness of the fluid (exudate) produced by the inflamed tissues. Symptoms normally start at night. Treatment is supportive until the condition resolves naturally. In mild and moderate cases the child may benefit from being kept in a humid atmosphere (e.g. a steamy room). Nebulized medications and oxygen can help in more severe cases. In extreme cases endotracheal *intubation may be necessary. The condition may recur.
The air passage, also called the windpipe, that runs from immediately below the larynx to behind the upper part of the sternum, where it divides to form the bronchi. The trachea is made of fibrous and elastic tissue and smooth muscle. It also contains about 20 rings of cartilage, which keep it open. The lining of the trachea has cells (goblet cells) that secrete mucus and cells with cilia,which beat the mucus upwards to help keep the lungs and airways clear. tracheitis Inflammation of the trachea. Tracheitis is usually caused by a viral infection and is aggravated by inhaled fumes, especially tobacco smoke. It often occurs with laryngitis and bronchitis in a condition known as laryngotracheobronchitis. Symptoms include a painful dry cough and hoarseness. In most cases, no treatment is needed.... trachea
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