Inflammatory processes or health impairments of the airways contribute to the fact that those affected often feel very limited in their well-being and performance. Tracheitis or inflammation of the trachea is rare, but it requires medical treatment to limit further damage to health.
What is tracheitis?
Tracheitis is known as tracheitis in medical circles and to medical laypeople, with the suffix -itis always describing an inflammatory process. Tracheitis localizes primarily to the upper part of the respiratory tract and is considered extremely uncomfortable. As a rule, several sections of the upper trachea are affected before the tracheitis. In tracheitis, these are the trachea itself as well as the larynx and bronchi. These organs are quite close together, so that the inflammatory manifestations and the causative pathogens can quickly spread from one organ to the other. Under these circumstances, there is also a need for a differentiated diagnosis of tracheitis that is as precise as possible.
Causes
The development of tracheitis as well as its extent depend on quite varying influencing factors, which result both from the environment and from the internal constitution in relation to the patient’s defenses. A typical feature of tracheitis is that there are indications with regard to temporal relationships, which are coupled with an infection triggered by viruses. Once an upper respiratory tract infection has been overcome, for example after influenza, the symptoms are often prolonged by tracheitis. The pathogenic microorganisms, which primarily include bacteria, viruses or even fungi, migrate from the nasopharynx down to the larynx and spread throughout the trachea. In addition to microbial pathogens, corrosive gaseous substances that enter the trachea through the natural inhalation process are also considered for tracheitis.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
Tracheitis can cause a variety of symptoms and complaints. Typical symptoms of the disease include hoarseness and coughing, as well as a burning sensation under the breastbone. The cough is initially a dry cough in which little or no mucus is secreted. This makes it very distressing for those affected. The initial hoarseness can lead to a complete loss of voice. Usually there is also a burning pain under the breastbone, which becomes stronger as the disease progresses. In parallel, general flu symptoms such as fatigue, fever and aching limbs appear. Sick people are physically and mentally exhausted and can only manage everyday tasks with great effort. The fatigue intensifies in the first days of the disease, but subsides after one to two weeks. Children may also experience shortness of breath and loud breathing sounds due to the narrower airways. In addition, there is an increased risk of bacterial superinfection, which manifests itself through breathing difficulties and typical signs of inflammation. If the tracheitis is carried over, it can develop into a chronic disease. This results in recurrent irritating cough, sore throat, and increasing malaise. In the long term, chronic tracheitis can change the color of the voice.
Diagnosis and course
As a rule, the signs of illness that occur in tracheitis alone are considered aids in making a diagnosis. Classic symptoms of tracheitis are a hoarse voice and more or less severe impairment of phonation, permanent coughing and coughing, a feeling of tightness behind the sternum and fever, pain in the limbs, faintness and sometimes even obstruction of breathing (common in children). The physician also hears unusual sounds with the stethoscope that occur during breathing during tracheitis. This abnormality is particularly evident during exhalation. In contrast to acute tracheitis, which subsides after a few days, chronic, persistent tracheitis runs for more than three weeks and can progress to bronchitis.
Complications
In the worst cases, tracheitis can be fatal if not treated promptly by a physician. The reduced supply of oxygen can cause severe damage to the internal organs and brain, resulting in irreversible secondary damage that eventually goes untreated. The affected persons themselves suffer from coughing and hoarseness. Furthermore, the patient also suffers from a reactive high fever and from fatigue and tiredness. The resilience decreases significantly and there are complaints and symptoms that strongly resemble the flu. Furthermore, the patient’s larynx can also become inflamed, leading to death. Not infrequently, headaches and pain in the limbs also occur and the affected person suffers from a general feeling of illness. The patient’s quality of life is significantly reduced and limited by tracheitis. Treatment of tracheitis can take place with the help of medications and antibiotics. However, many self-help remedies are also available to the affected person to treat this inflammation and alleviate the symptoms. There are no particular complications and the course of the disease is usually positive. The patient’s life expectancy is also not affected by this inflammation if it is treated in time.
When should one go to the doctor?
If hoarseness persists, as well as coughing, a doctor should be consulted for a check-up. Complaints that persist unabated for several days or have an increasing character should be examined and treated with medication. If there is a decrease in vocalization or loss of voice, a physician is needed. Pain or a scratchy throat, an uncomfortable sensation in the throat, or dry mouth should be checked by a physician. If the usual level of performance drops or flu-like symptoms develop, a doctor’s visit is advised. Fatigue, fever or a general feeling of illness indicate an existing health irregularity that should be clarified by a physician. If medical care is not provided, the patient is at risk of chronic disease progression. Permanent damage to the vocalization may occur, which should be prevented. Breathing difficulties and fatigue are further signs of disease that should be evaluated by a physician. A refusal to eat due to existing throat complaints should also be examined by a doctor. If the affected person suffers from sternal discomfort, dry sputum or shortness of breath, a visit to the doctor is advisable. If psychological complaints such as anxiety, mood swings or behavioral problems develop, it is also advisable to consult a doctor.
Treatment and therapy
In order to treat tracheitis as quickly and gently as possible, there are various measures available to medical professionals. In addition, there are also extremely effective applications that can be used alternatively as time-honored home remedies. In addition to avoiding the inhalation of gases that irritate the mucous membranes, inhaling liquids mixed with common salt can help against tracheitis. Furthermore, it is beneficial to use natural remedies or teas with chamomile, lime blossom and sage or hot milk with a teaspoon of honey against the agonizing irritating cough that occurs during tracheitis. Lozenges or candies with anti-inflammatory herbs and eucalyptus keep the mouth moist and clear the airways. Because tracheitis can promote pneumonia under certain circumstances, especially in children and the elderly, its treatment sometimes requires the use of efficient antibiotics as well as drugs that loosen mucus.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis is usually favorable. Tracheitis even heals on its own within a week. If the typical symptoms persist afterwards, consultation with a physician is necessary. Then it is suspected that bacterial cultures are causing the symptoms. Doctors prescribe antibiotics. If drug therapy shows no effect, there are other causes. These must be clarified in detail. People at risk are primarily children and senior citizens. But people with weakened immune systems are also considered comparatively susceptible to tracheitis. Their reduced defense systems allow the inflammation to spread.Serious pneumonia is the result in rare cases. An aggravation of the overall situation is thereby given. If tracheitis occurs in the context of a cold or flu, a vitamin-rich diet ensures a faster healing process. Smokers should temporarily stop their nicotine consumption out of self-interest. Tracheitis can also develop chronically. In this case, irritants are the trigger. It is not uncommon for constrictions and obstructions to develop in the trachea over the years. In these cases, the prognosis proves to be significantly worse. There is a lack of sufficient stability, which can lead to life-threatening consequences.
Prevention
Prevention of tracheitis may well be realized if the immune system is strengthened (balanced diet rich in vitamins, exercise in the fresh air). For smokers, it is important to refrain from using tobacco at the signs of tracheitis. Humidifying dry room air is also beneficial to prevent tracheitis. Dry air irritates the mucous membranes and dries them out. This makes it easier for germs to pass through the areas and cause tracheitis. Upper respiratory tract infections are also caused by aggressive vapors that may be present in the air. This environment should therefore be avoided or protective equipment should be worn. Prompt, specific treatment of flu-like effects is also considered a useful prophylaxis against tracheitis.
Follow-up
Regular follow-up examinations are essential for tracheitis. Depending on the severity of symptoms, an individualized treatment plan is determined to help reduce symptoms over the long term. Continuous medications are also of great importance here and must be taken regularly. If the patient has already been symptom-free for years, he can slowly discontinue the medication to see how this affects the course of the disease. Under certain circumstances, he may even be able to do without them completely. Since tracheitis is accompanied by flu-like symptoms that acutely stress the body, the resumption of everyday life should be done cautiously. This includes gradually increasing the usual sports program to avoid a relapse.
What you can do yourself
In case of tracheitis, the family doctor should be involved in any case. Medical therapy can be supported by some self-help measures and home remedies. First and foremost, the trachea must be spared – plenty of sleep and relaxation are indicated. The fastest way to heal the inflammation is to air the bedroom regularly. After the acute phase of the disease, recovery can be supported by exercise, wearing warm clothing and a scarf, of course. The irritation of the cough can be relieved by sage, lime blossom, honey and other natural remedies. For inflammation, anti-inflammatory herbs such as lady’s mantle or ginger as well as lozenges with eucalyptus help. Regular inhalation helps against dry respiratory tract and cough. Saline solutions or tea, which are best prepared with an electric vaporizer, are particularly effective. Fever is best treated with the help of cool compresses and a suitable diet. For hoarseness or loss of voice, warm milk with honey, in addition to rest, is helpful. An effective alternative from homeopathy is the globule Aconitum in the potency D12. If the symptoms do not recede despite all measures, medical advice is needed.
