<unk>  is the bacterial infection of the trachea. It is also known as bacterial croup or acute laryngotracheobronchitis. It results in airway inflammation with mucosal edema, tracheal ulceration and thick membranous exudates. It is most commonly caused by a superimposed bacterial infection following a viral upper respiratory tract infection. Common bacterial pathogens include Staphylococcus Aureus, Haemophilus Influenza, Streptococcus Viridans and Moraxella Catarrhalis. It is a disease most commonly encountered in the pediatric age group, between 2-10 years of age. However, mechanical ventilation can also cause<unk>  as it allows colonization of the trachea through endotracheal tube.  Clinical features include cough, hoarseness, stridor which can rapidly progress into respiratory distress within 36 to 72 hours. Acute airway obstruction can also develop due to rapid formation of tracheal exudates. Securing airway by endotracheal intubation is therefore crucial in management of<unk>  along with early initiation of empiric antibiotics. Rigid endoscopy is performed to remove thick membranous exudates, known to cause significant tracheal lumen obstruction. Complications of<unk>  include airway obstruction, acute respiratory distress syndrome, toxic shock syndrome, septic shock and multi organ failure.
Tracheitis
Bronchitis
Croup
Hydrothorax
Urinothorax
Mediastinitis
Chylothorax
Laryngitis