Etymed
tracheobronchitis
Definition
Inflammation of the trachea and bronchi, typically characterized by coughing and difficulty breathing
Clinical context
A 23-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with a severe productive cough and difficulty breathing that started after a viral upper respiratory infection. On examination, she has wheezing and bronchial breath sounds. Chest X-ray shows hyperinflation but no consolidation. She is diagnosed with tracheobronchitis secondary to viral infection.
Mnemonic
TRACH-EBRONCHITIS: T-tract inflammation, B-bronchi inflammation, C-cough, H-hoarseness, B-breathe hard