Tracheitis - causes, symptoms and treatment

The trachea is an organ of the respiratory system, the diseases of which are not diagnosed very often. Located in the mediastinum - this is an expansion of the larynx that allows air to enter the lungs, has a length of about 10-12 cm, resembles a pipe in shape. Due to its structure, the trachea is not directly exposed to microorganisms, so isolated tracheitis is rarely diagnosed. Tracheitis is favored by acute and chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract, including: pharyngitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis and chronic laryngitis.

Tracheitis can be a complication of untreated or improper treatment of various seasonal infections. In most cases, although annoying and unpleasant, it does not threaten health and life. Unfortunately, in extreme cases, inflammation of the trachea may require hospitalization and specialized treatment. Tracheitis is a disease that is especially dangerous for infants, people with chronic respiratory diseases and the elderly. Tobacco smoke contributes to disease and severe disease.

We discern chronic tracheitiswhich develops as a result of constant contact of the respiratory epithelium with irritants and acute tracheitisthat is associated with infection.

Quite often, tracheitis appears with sinusitis, pharyngitis or laryngitis. It is not always diagnosed quickly enough, as a result of which the infection spreads to the bronchi. In addition, an infection that begins in the bronchi can also cause tracheitis.

Causes of tracheitis

As already mentioned, tracheitis is most often associated with viral infections. They can be caused by seasonal activity of RSV, parainfluenza and cold viruses. Inflammation of the trachea is very rarely caused by atypical bacteria. However, bacterial tracheitis can be a severe complication of other upper and lower respiratory tract infections.

Infection occurs by airborne droplets. The risk of developing acute tracheitis is increased by:

• being in large groups,

• non-compliance with the rules of hand hygiene,

• hypothermia,

• downplaying symptoms of colds, flu, and other seasonal infections

• breathe dry air

• weakening of the immune system associated with overwork and the use of an incorrectly formulated diet.

All infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract are more often diagnosed in autumn, winter and early spring. They are favored by adverse weather conditions. Since viral infections are transmitted by airborne droplets, people who come into contact with carriers of the infection, who become infected through coughing and sneezing, are most at risk.

Significant risk factors for tracheitis include cigarette smoke and inhalation of chemical fumes that irritate the airways. Some studies point to a link between frequent infections of the larynx and trachea and smog, which contains particulate matter and other harmful substances.

Inflammation affecting only the trachea is very rarely diagnosed. The cause of inflammation of the trachea is usually microbes that affect other organs of the respiratory system.

Symptoms of tracheitis

Typical symptoms of tracheitis most often precede symptoms of upper airway inflammation, including:

• runny nose,

• sore throat,

• hoarseness,

• sensation of sore throat,

• increased dry cough.

Inflammation in the airways also causes general symptoms, such as a feeling of loss of strength, weakness, subfebrile condition, fever, and general malaise.

Even mild symptoms caused by airway inflammation should prompt you to see a doctor. It is necessary to treat each infection and follow the doctor’s instructions because infection is the most common cause of complications.

Tracheitis is indicated by characteristic symptoms that are not present with a mild cold. We include:

• tiresome dry cough

• stridor,

• chest discomfort, including with deep breathing,

• dyspnea,

• chest pain.

With the development of chronic tracheitis, the only symptom of the disease may be a suffocating dry cough.

Treatment of tracheitis

Treatment of tracheitis consists in most cases in symptomatic treatment, an important element of which is the elimination of irritants. Rest is essential during treatment. Medications used for tracheitis include: pain relievers and fever reducers, drugs that reduce inflammation, and drugs that activate the immune system to work effectively.

Cough with laryngitis and tracheitis is initially dry and then becomes wet. Dry cough and wet cough require different treatment. Dry cough is relieved or stopped by appropriately selected drugs; a wet cough is a productive cough and should not be inhibited - in order for a wet cough to pass quickly, it is necessary to use drugs to thin the secret and expectorate it.

To alleviate unpleasant symptoms, doctors recommend inhaling saline solution, as well as saline solutions available in pharmacies. Sometimes it is necessary to use inhaled drugs to thin thick secretions and facilitate expectoration, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs to make breathing easier.

Home remedies for sore throat relief

Symptoms of tracheitis require moistening of the airways. To increase the humidity in the apartment, you can hang wet towels on the batteries. Using humidifiers is also a great solution. It is important to provide the patient with a constant flow of air. Acute symptoms of laryngitis and tracheitis can be temporarily relieved by inhaling cool, moist air, which constricts the airways and thus makes breathing easier.

Inhalations with the addition of herbs and natural essential oils also help in the treatment of tracheitis and laryngitis - tea tree oil, thyme oil and geranium oil have antiseptic properties.

Source: K. Slenčka, L. Zawadzka-Glos, Life-threatening conditions in acute laryngitis in children - an assessment of epidemiology and treatment, Nova Pediatrics 1/2014, pp. 8-14.