Tracheobronchitis is inflammation of the trachea or bronchi, often caused by infection or irritants. Symptoms include cough, wheezing, and sore throat. Treatment focuses on symptom relief, but antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections. The condition is usually acute and resolves on its own, but chronic inflammation may require medical treatment.
Tracheobronchitis, also known as bronchitis, is a condition involving inflammation of the trachea or bronchi, both of which carry air to the lungs. This is often the result of an infection, but can also be due to an irritant or allergic reaction. Symptoms include cough, wheezing and sore throat. Treatment usually focuses on symptoms because the condition generally heals on its own naturally and relatively quickly, but antibiotics are sometimes prescribed. Rest and plenty of water are commonly recommended to speed up the recovery process.
The respiratory tract contains both the trachea and the bronchi. When inflammation occurs in these parts of the body, it is often referred to as tracheobronchitis. This is a relatively common condition that can be the result of a viral or bacterial infection. If a person ingests or inhales an irritant, inflammation can also occur.
Bronchitis or tracheobronchitis usually refers to a group of symptoms rather than a specific condition, so it’s technically not contagious. If, however, your symptoms are caused by a viral or bacterial infection, it could be contagious. However, bronchitis caused by irritants, such as cigarette smoke, cannot be transmitted directly between people.
A cough, which may be dry or contain phlegm, is the most common symptom of the condition. Depending on its severity, constant coughing can lead to other symptoms such as chest or abdominal pain. In severe cases, violent coughing can cause damage to the chest wall. Other potential symptoms of tracheobronchitis include wheezing, which is the result of tightening of muscles and inflammation of the airways, sore throat, and fever.
The condition is usually acute, meaning it will often only last a few weeks. If, however, the condition causes chronic inflammation, medical treatment becomes more important. To begin with, the patient should rest and try to keep warm, while avoiding dehydration. If your cough is causing significant discomfort, a humidifier may help reduce the irritation. Over-the-counter pain relievers and cough medicines can also help reduce symptoms and make the condition more bearable.
The symptoms of tracheobronchitis are often caused by viral infections, which cannot be treated with antibiotics. If, however, tracheobronchitis is the result of a bacterial infection, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed. In many acute cases, a doctor will recommend treating the symptoms rather than the underlying cause because the discomfort usually resolves on its own.
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