Tracheitis – symptoms, causes, therapy, duration and diagnosis

Synonyms

Synonyms in a broader sense:

  • Tracheitis
  • Chronic tracheitis, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract

Introduction

Inflammation of the trachea is a disease of the upper respiratory tract that can be infectious, allergic or chemically irritating. Only in very few cases can the inflammation of the trachea be observed without the presence of other symptoms. In most cases, inflammatory processes in the area of the nose (rhinitis), the larynx (laryngitis) and/or the bronchial tubes (bronchitis) occur simultaneously.

Although an inflammation of the trachea can also occur during the warm months, most cases occur during the winter. In addition to bacterial or viral pathogens, chemical substances can also cause irritation of the mucous membrane of the trachea and an associated inflammation of the windpipe. The most well-known chemical substances in this context are cigarette smoke, sulfur dioxide, ozone and ammonia.

The inflammation of the trachea is medically divided into two different forms (acute and chronic inflammation of the windpipe). These two forms differ mainly in the frequency of their occurrence and the duration of healing. In addition, different triggers can be named for both forms.

Patients suffering from tracheal inflammation usually exhibit a pronounced symptomatology. If the symptoms are persistent or particularly pronounced, a doctor should be consulted promptly and a comprehensive diagnosis performed. The prognosis of tracheal inflammation is the better, the earlier a suitable treatment is initiated. Patients who frequently suffer from tracheitis should also think about eliminating possible risk factors (for example, by giving up smoking).

Symptoms

Inflammation can only rarely be observed without the presence of other symptoms. As a rule, the affected patients suffer from a pronounced rhinitis and a severe cough. This cough can be both dry and productive (with sputum) depending on the type of disease.

However, the chronic inflammation of the trachea is usually accompanied by a dry irritable cough. In addition, inflammatory processes within the paranasal sinuses can also occur at the same time. These often lead to severe headaches, feelings of pressure and discomfort in the area of the upper front molars.

Especially when bending the head forward, these complaints increase significantly in intensity. Further symptoms of inflammation of the windpipe are: Due to the small diameter of the upper airways, an inflammation of the larynx or trachea can be dangerous, especially in small children. Typical symptoms of trachea inflammation in children are

  • Hoarseness
  • Cough
  • Burning sensation under the sternum
  • Fever and chills
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Lassitude
  • Shortness of breath
  • Retractions on the ribcage
  • Pronounced abdominal breathing
  • Increased breathing frequency
  • Restlessness/panic
  • Loud noises during exhalation (expiratory stridor)

Due to the inflammation of the trachea, the mucous membrane is very irritated and sensitive to pain.

This can lead to pain when breathing. Affected people tend to breathe less and breathing difficulties occur. An inflammation of the mucous membranes also always leads to swelling.

Depending on how severe the swelling is, the diameter of the esophagus narrows and less air reaches the lungs. This can quickly lead to shortness of breath, in the worst case to respiratory arrest. A doctor must be consulted as soon as possible and drug therapy with mucosal decongestants must be initiated.