Contents
Tracheitis (lat. tracheitis)
– inflammation of the trachea. Despite the fact that the trachea belongs to the lower respiratory tract, the ICD classifies tracheitis as a disease of the upper respiratory tract. Occasionally, tracheitis occurs in isolation, most often it joins rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, forming rhinopharyngotracheitis, laryngotracheitis, tracheobronchitis.
Cause of tracheitis
is the same infection that causes rhinitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis: staphylococci, streptococci, etc. In case of insufficient treatment (or lack thereof) of these diseases, the inflammatory process can spread to the trachea, causing tracheitis. According to the course of the disease, they distinguish acute and chronic tracheitis. Chronic is a complication of acute.
Symptoms and diagnosis of tracheitis
- increase in temperature (slight: up to subfebrile)
- concomitant symptoms of other respiratory tract diseases (symptoms of rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis)
- dry cough (especially at night and in the morning, as well as with strong inspiration; with chronic tracheitis this is the main symptom)
- pain in the throat and chest
Treatment and complications of tracheitis
When treating tracheitis, mustard plasters are used on the sternum, as well as antibiotics of various groups, in particular sulfonamide drugs. Treatment with plant inhalations is also possible. Also prescribed are medications for the treatment of concomitant diseases, medicines for coughing and expectoration. The course usually lasts up to 2 weeks.
The prognosis for acute and chronic tracheitis is favorable. Complications (bronchitis, bronchopneumonia) are extremely rare.
Prevention of tracheitis is timely treatment of inflammation of the pharynx and larynx.
At the Prima Medica medical center you can make an appointment with an otolaryngologist by calling +7 495 120-01-07. You can find out the cost of admission here.