Bacterial Tracheitis Follow-up
- Author: Sujatha Rajan, MD; Chief Editor: Russell W Steele, MD more...
Further Inpatient Care
Consider extubation when bacterial tracheitis appears to be resolving, especially with decreased secretions suctioned from the endotracheal tube.
Further Outpatient Care
Patient should complete an appropriate course (usually 10 d) of oral antibiotics.
Transfer
Transfer is required for patients in respiratory distress, patients in need of a pediatric intensive care unit, and patients who need a pediatric-sized bronchoscope.
Complications
The following complications have been reported:
- Septicemia
- Toxic shock
- Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
- Endotracheal tube complications
- Plugging, accidental extubation
- Postextubation stridor, subglottic stenosis
- Anoxic encephalopathy
- Cardiorespiratory arrest
Prognosis
Once the patient is past the acute phase, complete recovery is expected.
Patient Education
Keep immunizations up-to-date.
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