Inflammation of the TRACHEA. It may occur along with BRONCHITIS, or independently, due to similar causes. It is usually caused by a viral infection (see CROUP), but occasionally it may have a bacterial cause, which is more dangerous as the patient produces large amount of thick, sticky SPUTUM which may block the airway causing respiratory failure and collapse. Treatment is by insertion of an endotracheal tube under general anaesthesia (see ENDOTRACHEAL INTUBATION), removing the secretions and using high-dose antibiotics.