Laryngotracheobronchitis

Laryngotracheobronchitis is gradual inflammation of the larynx, trachea and bronchi. It is a most common type of croup and may be caused by virus or bacteria.

Sign and Symptoms:

• Irritability and restlessness
• Fever at low to high grade
• Hoarse voice
• Inspiratory striddor and suprasternal retraction
• Seal bark and brassy cough
• Crackles and wheezing
• Use of accessory muscles for breathing
• Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting
• Signs of anoxia and carbon dioxide retention
• Cyanosis

Nursing Interventions:

1. Keep a paten airway
2. Assess respiratory status (nasal flaring, inspiratory stridor, sternal retraction)
3. Monitor for pallor or cyanosis
4. Elevate the head of the bed and provide bed rest
5. Provide humidified oxygen
6. Encourage fluid intake
7. Administer medication as prescribed (antibiotics, analgetics, bronchodilators, corticosteroids)
8. Epinephrine nebulizer may be given for children with severe disease, stridor at rest, retractions, or difficulty breathing
9. Have resuscitation equipment available