Bacterial tracheitis: a resurfacing airway emergency.

Children presenting to the emergency department with symptoms of upper respiratory distress represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. An acute onset associated with fever most often indicates epiglottitis or laryngotracheobronchitis. Presented here is a case of acute bacterial tracheitis, a life-threatening entity that apparently has reemerged recently. Prompt recognition is essential but can be difficult. Historical perspectives, clinical features, and pitfalls in diagnosis and management are discussed.