laryngotracheobronchitis

Definition laryngotracheobronchitis

laryngotracheobronchitis: laryngotracheobronchitis n. a severe infection of the respiratory tract, especially of young children, in whom there may be a dangerous degree of obstruction either at the larynx (see croup) or main air passages (bronchi) due to the thickness and stickiness of the fluid (exudate) produced by the inflamed tissues. Treatment: as for *laryngitis, with *tracheostomy if necessary and bronchoscopy in addition, during which it may be possible to clear the obstructing exidate by bronchial lavage and suction.