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Laryngotracheitis
Urgent
Laryngotracheitis is inflammation involving the larynx and trachea, commonly occurring as part of a viral respiratory infection. It may cause hoarseness, a barking or harsh cough, noisy breathing, sore throat, fever, and other upper respiratory symptoms. The condition is particularly recognized in young children, in whom swelling of the upper airway can cause breathing difficulty. Most cases are mild and improve as the underlying infection resolves, but significant breathing difficulty requires prompt medical attention.
Body System
Respiratory System
When to Seek Medical Attention
Laryngotracheitis can cause significant airway narrowing, particularly in children. Seek prompt medical assessment for worsening cough, noisy breathing, fever, or difficulty breathing. Emergency care is needed for stridor at rest, severe breathing difficulty, bluish lips or skin, inability to speak or cry normally because of breathing difficulty, marked exhaustion, or rapidly worsening airway symptoms.
Symptoms
3
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Laryngotracheitis is inflammation involving the larynx and trachea, commonly occurring as part of a viral respiratory infection. It may cause hoarseness, a barking or harsh cough, noisy breathing, sore throat, fever, and other upper respiratory symptoms. The condition is particularly recognized in young children, in whom swelling of the upper airway can cause breathing difficulty. Most cases are mild and improve as the underlying infection resolves, but significant breathing difficulty requires prompt medical attention.
Symptoms 3
Chest Pain
Difficulty Swallowing
Dry Cough
Causes 1
Laryngotracheitis is usually caused by a viral respiratory infection. Viruses can infect the upper airway and produce swelling around the larynx and trachea. Parainfluenza viruses are common causes, while other respiratory viruses can produce a similar illness. The characteristic cough and breathing symptoms result partly from inflammation and narrowing of the upper airway. Secondary bacterial infection is uncommon but can produce a more severe clinical illness.
Infection
Risk Factors
Laryngotracheitis is particularly common in young children because their upper airways are narrower, so relatively modest swelling can produce noticeable breathing symptoms. Exposure to respiratory viruses, attendance at childcare or school, and close contact with infected individuals increase exposure. Seasonal viral circulation also affects risk. Children with certain underlying airway or respiratory problems may experience more significant symptoms when an infection causes airway swelling.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis is usually based on the characteristic barking cough, hoarseness, and symptoms of upper-airway inflammation. A clinician evaluates breathing effort, respiratory rate, oxygenation when appropriate, and the presence of noisy breathing at rest or during activity. Routine laboratory tests and imaging are often unnecessary in uncomplicated cases. Severe, unusual, or rapidly worsening symptoms may require further assessment to distinguish laryngotracheitis from bacterial airway infection, foreign-body aspiration, or other causes of respiratory distress.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Because laryngotracheitis is usually caused by respiratory viruses, prevention involves reducing exposure and transmission
Hand hygiene, avoiding close contact during acute illness, improving indoor ventilation, and covering coughs and sneezes can help
Children with respiratory infections should be kept home from school or childcare when appropriate according to local guidance
Vaccination against preventable respiratory infections can reduce the risk of some illnesses that may produce similar airway symptoms
Prevention Guidance
Because laryngotracheitis is usually caused by respiratory viruses, prevention involves reducing exposure and transmission. Hand hygiene, avoiding close contact during acute illness, improving indoor ventilation, and covering coughs and sneezes can help. Children with respiratory infections should be kept home from school or childcare when appropriate according to local guidance. Vaccination against preventable respiratory infections can reduce the risk of some illnesses that may produce similar airway symptoms.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Warm Soups
Help soothe the throat.
Warm Fluids
Support hydration and comfort.
Soft Foods
Easy to swallow during illness.
Foods to Avoid
Cold Drinks
May aggravate throat discomfort.
Junk Food
Provides poor nutrition.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
It is inflammation of the larynx and trachea, often called croup.
Young children are most commonly affected.
Barking cough, hoarseness and breathing difficulty are common.
Clinical examination is usually sufficient.
Hand hygiene and infection control help prevention.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.