Symptoms
Tracheitis can cause a number of different symptoms, which can vary from person to person and can also differ in the severity of their occurrence. Symptoms include coughing, hoarseness, a scratchy feeling in the throat or a burning sensation behind the breastbone. There may also be an altered sound of breathing, the so-called inspiratory stridor, which is caused by the impairment of the airways.
Depending on which region of the respiratory tract is impaired, this is a kind of “hissing” (nose region) or humming (trachea or bronchial tubes). In addition, voice formation can also be impaired, so that speaking may be difficult. Tracheitis can also be accompanied by other, more general symptoms. These include fever, headaches, earaches, dizziness and a general feeling of weakness.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis is usually made clinically. This means that the symptoms of tracheitis can already give an indication of the disease. A further measure is the examination of the pharynx and larynx, in which the doctor examines the pharynx, if necessary after pressing down the tongue with a mouth spatula.
In addition, the doctor can listen to the trachea and lungs with his stethoscope and detect any altered breathing sounds, which may also give an indication of tracheitis. In the case of tracheitis caused by bacteria, a blood test can also help. There, increased inflammation parameters (so-called “CRP”) and an increased blood sedimentation rate (“BSG”) may be detected. These increased inflammation values are absent in the case of a viral tracheitis.
Therapy
Depending on whether the tracheitis was caused by viruses or bacteria, different treatments are used. If viruses are responsible for the inflammation, drug therapy is not usually sought. Normally the disease should heal on its own after one week.
In the case of a bacterially caused inflammation, targeted therapy with antibiotics may be necessary under certain circumstances. The choice of the appropriate antibiotic depends on the bacterium causing the inflammation, since not all antibiotics are equally effective against all bacteria. Care should be taken with children and the elderly, as tracheitis there leads to pneumonia more quickly than in healthy adults.
For the therapy of tracheitis, home remedies can also be used. Inhalation with saline liquids can relieve the cough, as can the consumption of various teas, such as chamomile or lime blossom. The consumption of cough-relieving sweets with ingredients such as sage, various herbs or eucalyptus can also help to relieve the cough.
There are various preparations that can be used in the drug therapy of tracheitis. In the case of tracheitis caused by bacteria, an antibiotic must be used for more severe cases, which must be selected specifically according to the pathogen. A frequently used antibiotic for acute bacterial tracheitis is amoxicillin, which belongs to the class of so-called penicillins and is suitable for the treatment of respiratory tract infections.
The antibiotic’s spectrum of action against other pathogens can be further extended by combining it with supportive substances. Taking medications that have an expectorant effect can also be helpful in the treatment. Acetylcysteine, also known commercially as “ACC”, could be used in this case.
It has a mucolytic effect and promotes the expulsion of the stuck mucus.In addition, drugs to combat the irritation of the throat can also be used (so-called “antitussives”). Most representatives of this category are descendants of opiates and therefore only available on prescription. Their use is only recommended in severe cases.
In addition, these drugs should only be taken for a short period of time, as they have a potential for dependence. Painkillers can also be used, as tracheitis can be associated with pain, especially from persistent coughing and irritation of the airways. Paracetamol or Novalgin are two examples of drugs that can be taken.