Does Tracheitis Require Antibiotics?

Patients may present with crouplike symptoms, such as barking cough, stridor, and fever; however, patients with bacterial tracheitis do not respond to standard croup therapy (racemic epinephrine) and instead require treatment with antibiotics and may experience acute respiratory decompensation.

What antibiotics treat tracheitis?

Antibiotic regimens have traditionally included a third-generation cephalosporin (eg, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone) and a penicillinase-resistant penicillin (eg, oxacillin, nafcillin).

How long does tracheitis last?

The infections produce fever, fatigue, and swelling of the mucous membrane lining the trachea. Infections may last for a week or two and then pass; they generally do no great damage to the tissue unless they become chronic.