Symptoms of tracheitis in adults and treatment

Posted on by admin

Tracheitis in adults: symptoms and treatment at home

Tracheitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the trachea. It is manifested by edema, swelling, excess mucus production, redness of the tracheal mucosa, as a result of which it becomes extremely sensitive to various irritating factors (for example, sputum, sharply inhaled air), which leads to bouts of painful coughing.

Table of contents:

Anyone can be diagnosed with tracheitis, regardless of age, gender and type of activity. But there is no need to worry too much about this, since this disease is quickly treatable.

However, people often have questions about what tracheitis is, whether the symptoms in adults differ from the signs of the disease in children, and how to deal with tracheitis at home. This article will help answer all pressing questions.

Causes

Why does tracheitis occur, and what is it? Tracheitis is a disease in which the trachea becomes inflamed. The trachea is a tube made up of open rings of cartilage connected by muscles and ligaments. Inside, this tube is covered with a mucous membrane, which, when damaged, develops tracheitis. This disease can be of 3 types depending on the pathogen. If the causative agent is a virus or microbes, we can speak of viral or bacterial tracheitis, respectively. In addition, the disease can also be allergic in nature.

Acute tracheitis almost never occurs on its own; it usually occurs in combination with other respiratory diseases, such as laryngitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, bronchitis.

Causes of acute tracheitis:

  • ARVI, influenza and other viral respiratory tract infections;
  • bacterial respiratory tract infections (streptococcus, staphylococcus, hemophilus influenzae and others);
  • hypothermia;
  • dry, cold or polluted air.

Chronic tracheitis is a complication of the acute form of the disease. If the disease is not treated and exposure to harmful factors is not excluded, tracheitis will most likely become chronic and will flow into the acute phase at the slightest negative impact.

Predisposing factors for chronic tracheitis include:

  • hypothermia;
  • inhaling dry or cold air;
  • inhalation of gases, dust and chemical vapors that irritate the mucous membrane of the trachea;
  • smoking;
  • alcohol abuse;
  • chronic lung or heart diseases;
  • inflammatory processes in the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, and pharynx.

Tracheitis of allergic origin is an allergic reaction that develops in response to the inhalation of various allergens: house, industrial or library dust, plant pollen, microparticles of animal hair, chemical compounds contained in the air of industrial premises of the chemical, pharmaceutical and perfume industries.

Symptoms of tracheitis

In case of tracheitis, the main symptom in adults is a severe paroxysmal cough. First dry, then with a small amount of sputum. The cough is most intense at night and early in the morning; it intensifies when laughing, crying, talking loudly, or sharply inhaling air, especially cold air.

The following features can be noted:

  • Coughing attacks are intermittent and strong only in the morning. The rest of the time, the person needs to take a deep breath in order to provoke spasmodic reactions;
  • The cough is accompanied by sputum production, as well as severe pain in the pharynx and behind the sternum, which remains even after the attack has stopped.

When the bronchi are involved in the process with the development of tracheobronchitis, the patient's condition becomes more severe (high body temperature, cough becomes constant and more painful, chest pain intensifies).

Treatment of tracheitis in adults

The disease is not considered life-threatening, so it can be treated on an outpatient basis. But treatment of tracheitis at home is aimed at following all the doctor’s instructions and recommendations. He must inform you that the patient needs bed rest for 5-10 days, depending on the severity of the illness.

An equally important rule is that treatment of tracheitis at home should be carried out in a constantly ventilated room. It is necessary to wet clean the room where the patient is located every day, since air humidity affects the nature of the cough.

The main treatment for tracheitis in adults is aimed at preventing the spread of infection to the lower respiratory tract. Otherwise, it may lead to acute bronchitis or pneumonia. How to treat tracheitis in an adult?

For treatment the following are used:

  • antibiotics;
  • sulfa drugs;
  • expectorants;
  • antiviral, anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • identification and elimination of the etiological factor - allergen, viruses, bacteria;
  • relief of symptoms of the disease;
  • preventing the development of complications or transition to a chronic form.

Also used as treatment are inhalations, massage and exercise therapy, and herbal remedies, beloved by many, that help relieve the symptoms of tracheitis.

Drawing up a treatment regimen, duration of therapy, selection of drugs and their dosages in each specific case is determined strictly individually and depends on the patient’s age, the cause and form of the disease, the severity of symptoms, as well as the possible presence of concomitant pathologies that aggravate the course of tracheitis.

The prognosis for treatment is almost always characterized as favorable. The duration of the acute form of the disease in question is one day, if the course is without complications. The chronic form cannot be predicted in terms of timing. But with proper treatment and normal immunity, recovery takes about 30 days.

Fighting cough

If you have a dry, unproductive cough “like a barrel,” your therapist may prescribe you medications that suppress the cough center. Thanks to them, irritation is eliminated, which allows the patient to spend a relatively peaceful night. These drugs include Stoptussin, Sinekod, Falimint.

When the sputum begins to leave, the doctor prescribes expectorants - Lazolvan, Gedelix, Bronchipret. Moreover, if attacks of night cough continue to torment the patient, cough suppressant medications are also taken at night.

Folk remedies

Therapy prescribed by a doctor can be combined with traditional methods of treating tracheitis:

  1. Steam inhalations with decoctions of the above herbs, hot potatoes, and mineral water also help improve sputum discharge. However, it should be remembered that at elevated temperatures, thermal procedures are contraindicated.
  2. Steam your feet using a hot bath. To do this, take the hottest water possible into any container convenient for you, but be careful not to burn the skin, and add two or three tablespoons of mustard there. In total, let this procedure take you about half an hour. Do not forget to constantly add hot water as the previous one cools down.
  3. For tracheitis, traditional medicine suggests using compresses. At night, place a woolen cloth soaked in vinegar with Provençal oil or camphor on your chest, or grate horseradish and apply it to the back of your neck.
  4. Softening inflammatory changes in the throat with butter. To prepare the medicine, add a spoonful of butter to a glass of warm tea. For taste, add ginger powder and 2 tablespoons of sugar. After stirring, drink the drink in large sips. Ginger relieves cough, butter eliminates inflammation. You can add the product to warm milk.

It should be remembered that folk remedies will not help you cure tracheitis; they can alleviate the symptoms of the ongoing disease. For a complete recovery, you should seek help from a doctor. According to reviews, adequate and timely treatment of tracheitis guarantees recovery in 1–2 weeks.

Prevention

Compliance with the following rules will help avoid exacerbation of the disease:

  • hardening of the body;
  • to give up smoking;
  • change of place of work if it is hazardous production;
  • maximum limitation of contact with the allergen to which an allergic reaction develops;
  • avoiding hypothermia and staying in rooms with large crowds of people in the autumn-winter period.

In general, to prevent tracheitis, it is recommended to strengthen the immune system, especially for people prone to upper respiratory tract diseases.

Good to know:

Add a comment Cancel reply

Transcription of analyzes online

Doctors consultation

Fields of Medicine

Popular

This is interesting

Only a qualified doctor can treat diseases.

Source: http://simptomy-lechenie.net/traxeit-u-vzroslyx/

Tracheitis: symptoms in adults

Anyone can be diagnosed with tracheitis, regardless of age, gender and type of activity.

But there is no need to worry too much about this, since this disease is quickly treatable. But people often have questions about what tracheitis is, whether the symptoms in adults differ from the signs of the disease in children, how to deal with tracheitis. This article will help answer all pressing questions.

Tracheitis is an inflammatory disease that has similar symptoms to diseases such as rhinitis and laryngitis. In this case, the disease manifests itself sharply, acutely, but most often does not have any unpleasant complications. Tracheitis affects the mucous membranes of the trachea, but at the same time it can hardly be called an independent disease, since it occurs as a concomitant disease against the background of other viral and infectious diseases.

Tracheitis has similar symptoms to rhinitis and laryngitis

Chronic tracheitis occurs if the patient does not undergo treatment on time. This form of the disease is much more difficult to get rid of, but with adequate treatment, complete recovery is possible. Therefore, when the first signs of tracheitis are detected, it is necessary to urgently contact your local physician. Ignoring symptoms can provoke the development of a chronic form of the disease, the treatment of which will require much more time, effort and money.

Causes of the disease

There are several main reasons that provoke the occurrence of tracheitis. These include:

  • viral infections;
  • bacteria staphylococci and streptococci;
  • inhalation of vapors and gaseous substances that irritate the nasopharynx;
  • long stay in a room with dry, dusty air.

Depending on the source of the disease, the doctor selects the appropriate treatment, which eliminates not only the symptoms, but also the cause of the disease. Tracheitis, the symptoms and treatment of which are individual, can also occur due to alcohol abuse and smoking.

In addition, the disease can develop in people who have diseases of the upper respiratory tract, lungs, heart, kidneys and other internal organs. Thus, congestion in the lungs can provoke an infection, and therefore lead to tracheitis. In any case, before treating the disease, you need to find out what caused it and how to eliminate the provoking factors.

Symptoms of tracheitis largely depend on the cause of its occurrence, as well as on the presence of other concomitant diseases. There are cases when viral infections mask the symptoms of the disease, so identifying the disease in this situation is very difficult. Only with the help of comprehensive diagnostics and blood and urine tests can they determine whether a person has tracheitis or not.

viral infections can mask symptoms of the disease

Main symptoms

If you notice signs such as a dry cough at night, a sore throat, or accumulation of sputum, then this could be tracheitis. Symptoms in adults are practically no different from the symptoms of the disease that are observed in children. In addition, a patient with tracheitis may exhibit the following symptoms:

  • constant cough, which worsens when crying or laughing;
  • aching pain in the chest area;
  • hoarseness in the voice;
  • increased body temperature;
  • general weakness;
  • causeless ailments;
  • appearance of sputum.

The disease manifests itself differently in each person. Most often it occurs instantly. The first signs of tracheitis are cough and the appearance of sputum. In this case, the sputum has a mucous structure and is released in small quantities. On days 3-4, the amount of sputum increases several times, and the structure becomes heterogeneous and acquires a purulent character. In this case, the patient may feel relief, as the cough becomes less intense and painful.

Today, one of the most common diseases in children of preschool and school age is tracheitis. Symptoms in children appear the same as in adults. The only difference in the symptoms of the disease in a child is the presence of a high temperature, which exceeds 39 o C. It can be brought down with the help of antipyretic drugs that are designed specifically for children.

Types of tracheitis

Depending on the severity, intensity of manifestations and area of ​​damage, the following forms of the disease are distinguished:

  • tracheobronchitis, localized in the bronchi, trachea;
  • laryngotracheitis;
  • chronic form.

With tracheobronchitis, the patient experiences a strong, painful cough, high body temperature and pain. In this case, the disease can spread to nearby respiratory tracts. This form of the disease is more dangerous than tracheitis, as complications may develop. Elderly people and children are most susceptible to dire consequences, as their immune systems are weakened.

Laryngotracheitis, the symptoms and treatment of which are individual, can develop both acutely and sharply, and asymptomatically, slowly. The manifestation of symptoms largely depends on the state of a person’s health, his immunity, and individual characteristics. Laryngotracheitis develops in combination with acute respiratory diseases, so the symptoms of the disease are very similar to those of a cold. The main signs of laryngotracheitis include:

  • sudden change in body temperature;
  • severe, persistent cough, which is accompanied by strong phlegm and pain;
  • sore throat, discomfort;
  • chest pain;
  • swelling, spasms of the vocal cords, which provoke a barking or croaking cough;
  • hoarse, hoarse voice;
  • dryness and burning in the larynx and throat.

Over time, laryngotracheitis, the symptoms of which are more pronounced than tracheitis, is accompanied by a less painful cough, as a large amount of sputum begins to be discharged, which has a mucopurulent structure. The disease also provokes enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes. Moreover, when listening to the lungs, the doctor may note wheezing in the trachea and harsh breathing.

Sometimes just an examination by a qualified specialist is enough to make an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, if a person has symptoms of the disease, then the only correct option is to visit a doctor who will diagnose the infection and prescribe adequate, timely treatment.

severe cough as one of the signs of laryngotracheitis

Chronic tracheitis is characterized by a painful cough, which is manifested by constant attacks in the morning and at night, painful, unpleasant sensations in the chest. The disease is difficult to treat, and periodic exacerbations are also possible. Sometimes it takes several years to completely cure chronic tracheitis. If a doctor has diagnosed a “chronic form of tracheitis,” then you must strictly adhere to the prescribed treatment and take care of your health, since even a slight decrease in immunity can provoke a severe exacerbation of the disease.

In the chronic form, changes in the trachea are not only hypertrophic, but also atrophic. Thus, hypertrophic changes are characterized by an increased amount of mucus, sputum, and an increase in the mucous membrane, and atrophic processes are characterized by atrophy of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.

Methods of diagnosis and treatment

You can diagnose tracheitis yourself, since the symptoms of the disease appear sharply and quickly. Thus, the clinical picture of tracheitis is based on a severe cough with sputum discharge, pain in the throat and chest, and increased body temperature. But if the doctor doubts the diagnosis based on examination and symptoms, then the trachea is examined using a laryngoscope.

When listening to the lungs, dry rales are clearly visible, which over time become moist, medium-bubbly. In this case, wheezing is localized in the lower lobes, the root of the lungs.

Getting rid of the symptoms and causes of the disease depends, first of all, on the chosen treatment method. As a rule, drug therapy is used to treat laryngotracheitis and tracheitis. But you can get rid of the disease with the help of additional physiotherapeutic procedures. For example, warming or inhalation. Inhalation for tracheitis can eliminate inflammation and significantly improve the patient’s condition.

Inhalation for tracheitis

To eliminate the symptoms of the disease, the doctor may prescribe medications such as:

  • antibiotics;
  • sulfa drugs;
  • expectorants;
  • antiviral, anti-inflammatory drugs.

The most popular medications used to treat tracheitis are Remantadine and Codeine. Thermopsis grass, licorice root or marshmallow are great at fighting phlegm. Also, alkaline inhalations for laryngotracheitis help to quickly eliminate cough and pain.

Inhalations are best carried out using an inhaler, which has a steam, ultrasonic operating principle. But if there is no special inhaler, then the procedures can be carried out independently at home. Before you start inhalation, you should definitely consult with your doctor, since uncoordinated use of folk remedies can lead to serious consequences.

Remantadine in the treatment of tracheitis

If a patient suffers from a dry, debilitating cough, then he needs to take cough medicines, including Glaucine, Libexin. Acute tracheitis with timely, effective treatment is eliminated after 2 weeks, but for this you need to follow all the doctor’s instructions. Taking medications that boost the body's immune system will also help speed up recovery.

Read also on this topic:

Copying information is permitted only with a link to the source.

Source: http://antirodinka.ru/tracheit-simptomi-u-vzroslich

Tracheitis in adults

Tracheitis, as a rule, is rarely isolated. It develops as a result of the transition of the pathological process from the overlying respiratory organs, starting with a viral infection of the mucous membrane of the nose, oral cavity or larynx. Soon the characteristic symptoms of tracheitis in an adult appear.

WHAT DOES IT ARISE FOR?

In the development of the disease, a key role is played by various infectious agents that act against the background of predisposing factors.

Etiologically significant factors:

  • respiratory viral infection;
  • coccal flora;
  • candida fungi.

Predisposing factors:

  • environmentally unfavorable situation in the region of residence;
  • a sharp decrease in the temperature of inhaled air;
  • occupational hazards (gas contamination, dust in the air, chemicals);
  • bad habits;
  • somatic pathology;
  • congestion in the lungs.

TYPES IN ADULTS

The disease in adults is divided according to two criteria:

  • According to the activity of the inflammatory process.
  • According to etiological factor

According to the activity of inflammation in the tracheal mucosa, they are divided into:

  • An acute process develops against the background of an infectious pathology of the respiratory tract. The first symptoms of tracheitis in adults appear within a few days after the onset of the respiratory disease.
  • A chronic process is a continuation of acute pathology. It develops with an inadequate amount of therapy and continued action of etiological factors. Depending on the changes in the organ wall detected during tracheoscopy, hypertrophic and atrophic forms are distinguished.

According to the etiological factor, the disease can be:

  • viral;
  • bacterial;
  • mycotic;
  • mixed.

HOW IT MANIFESTS

In adults, symptoms of tracheitis manifest themselves in the form of local and general signs.

Local symptoms

Tracheitis is characterized by the following symptoms:

  • Dry cough, which can cause a significant deterioration in the patient's quality of life. The attacks intensify while the patient is in a horizontal position, at the height of inspiration, and when the temperature of the inhaled air changes. In the process of resolving the inflammatory process, the cough becomes moist. The daily amount of sputum increases and its discharge improves. With bacterial etiology, it is purulent in nature.
  • Pain syndrome, which can occur during a coughing attack or as the disease progresses, during a period of rest. The pain is intense, which reduces the volume of breathing. Prolonged hypoxia can cause neurological symptoms.

General symptoms

The development of general symptoms occurs on days 2–3 of illness. The most significant are:

  • Violation of general health.
  • Insomnia arising due to the paroxysmal nature of the cough.
  • Increase in temperature to low-grade levels.

Symptoms and treatment of tracheitis depend on several factors. Among them:

  • severity of the inflammatory process;
  • concomitant respiratory infection;
  • the state of the patient's immune system;
  • etiology of the disease.

It is worth remembering that insignificant activity of the inflammatory process in the trachea can only be accompanied by a clinical picture of infection of the overlying respiratory organs.

DISEASE DETECTION METHODS

Diagnosis of tracheitis must be comprehensive. Physical examination findings, as a rule, do not differ from the norm. A blood test shows characteristic signs of the inflammatory process. During tracheoscopy, the walls of the organ become hyperemic and edematous. With chronic tracheitis in adults, signs of atrophy or proliferation of the mucous membrane may be observed.

WHAT TO TREAT

When treating tracheitis in adults, it is necessary to carry out etiotropic therapy and reduce symptoms.

Etiotropic therapy

To combat pathogenic microflora that causes the development of the disease, use:

  • broad-spectrum antibiotics;
  • antiviral drugs;
  • antimycotics.

Symptomatic therapy

To improve the clinical picture of the disease, experts recommend:

  • Expectorants that help improve sputum deposition. Can be used in the form of inhalations.
  • Mucolytics are substances that improve the rheological properties of sputum. Such tablets for tracheitis can reduce the period of wet cough.
  • Antitussive drugs of central action to relieve coughing attacks.
  • Physiotherapeutic procedures of a distracting nature.

When treating chronic tracheitis in adults, it is necessary to pay attention to increasing the protective properties of the body.

WHAT DOES THE DISEASE THREATEN?

Among the complications, the most unfavorable is the involvement of the bronchial tree and alveolar cells of the lungs in the pathological process with the development of bronchitis and pneumonia.

The prognosis for the patient depends on how to treat tracheitis in adults. Complete therapy allows you to completely get rid of the symptoms of the disease.

Found a mistake? Select it and press Ctrl + Enter

Chronic tonsillitis is a pathology of an infectious-allergic nature, which is manifested by the development of a constant inflammatory process of varying degrees of activity in the lymphoid tissue of the tonsils, which.

Comments on the article

We recommend reading

IMPORTANT. The information on the site is provided for informational purposes only. Do not self-medicate. At the first sign of disease, consult a doctor.

Source: http://pillsman.org/22404-traheit-u-vzroslyh.html

Tracheitis - causes, signs, symptoms and treatment in adults

Tracheitis is a clinical syndrome characterized by inflammatory changes in the tracheal mucosa, which is a manifestation of respiratory infections, occurring both acutely and chronically. Just like respiratory infections, tracheitis is most common in the autumn, winter and spring seasons.

As a rule, the disease does not manifest itself as an independent disease, but develops against the background of other viral infections. What kind of disease is this, what are the first signs and symptoms, as well as how to treat tracheitis in adults, we will consider further.

What is tracheitis?

Tracheitis is an inflammatory process in the mucous membrane of the trachea. Tracheitis in adults rarely occurs in isolation; most often it joins rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, forming rhinopharyngotracheitis, laryngotracheitis, tracheobronchitis.

How long does the disease last? The period of illness and recovery period always depend on the form of the inflammatory process, which can be either acute or chronic, that is, protracted. In addition, how long tracheitis lasts is influenced by the patient’s immune system; the more actively the body fights tracheitis, the faster the recovery will occur.

The prognosis with timely treatment is favorable, the duration of the disease ranges from 7 to 14 days.

Depending on the etiological factor, tracheitis occurs:

  • Infectious:
  • bacterial;
  • viral;
  • mixed, or bacterial-viral.
  • Allergic.
  • Infectious-allergic.

Depending on the combination with other diseases (the most common forms):

  • rhinopharyngotracheitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, pharynx and trachea;
  • laryngotracheitis - inflammation of the larynx and trachea;
  • tracheobronchitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the trachea and bronchi.

The course of the disease can be:

Acute tracheitis

It occurs more often, in its course and symptoms it resembles a common acute respiratory infection. Acute tracheitis occurs suddenly and has a short duration (on average 2 weeks). When it becomes chronic, periodic exacerbations are observed, which alternate with periods of remission.

Chronic tracheitis

Chronic tracheitis can be either a consequence of acute tracheitis or other chronic inflammatory processes (inflammation of the sinuses, nasopharynx). Factors that contribute:

  • smoking and alcohol abuse;
  • severe decrease in immunity;
  • occupational hazards and unfavorable environment;
  • emphysema;
  • heart and kidney diseases;
  • chronic runny nose, sinusitis (inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, for example, the maxillary sinuses - sinusitis).

With hypertrophic tracheitis, the vessels dilate and the mucous membrane swells. Mucus secretions become intense, purulent sputum appears.

Atrophic chronic tracheitis causes thinning of the mucous membrane. It becomes gray in color, smooth and shiny, can become covered with small crusts and cause severe coughing. Often, atrophic tracheitis occurs together with atrophy of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract located above.

Causes

The 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.

Some factors can provoke the development of tracheitis:

  • staying for a long time in a damp, poorly heated room;
  • inhalation of cold, too dry or humid air;
  • irritation of the respiratory tract by toxic vapors or gases;
  • infectious, contact, food and other types of allergens;
  • hypothermia of the body;
  • tobacco smoke when smoking;
  • increased air dustiness.

Tracheitis of allergic origin is an allergic reaction that develops in response to inhalation of various allergens:

  • house, industrial or library dust,
  • plant pollen,
  • microparticles of animal hair,
  • chemical compounds,
  • contained in the air of industrial premises of the chemical, pharmaceutical and perfume industries.

Symptoms of tracheitis

The leading sign of acute inflammation of the trachea is a hacking cough that gets worse at night and in the morning. At first it is dry “barking”, later with the release of thick sputum. During a coughing attack, a person begins to feel a raw pain in the sternum and throat, which causes problems with breathing movements. With this pathological condition, breathing becomes shallow and rapid.

In addition, the patient’s general condition noticeably worsens:

  • body temperature rises
  • there is increased weakness and drowsiness
  • the patient gets tired quickly
  • Lymph nodes may become enlarged.
  • high body temperature (about 380C);
  • general weakness of the body;
  • increased fatigue with minimal physical activity;
  • pain in the chest and between the shoulder blades during coughing attacks;
  • shallow rapid breathing;
  • headache;
  • insomnia;
  • burning sensation and sore throat;
  • slight enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes;
  • hoarseness of voice;
  • wheezing in the lungs;
  • severe runny nose;
  • grayish skin tone due to impaired breathing;
  • sweating;
  • lack of appetite.
  • Manifests itself in serious changes in the mucous membrane of the throat. It swells, becomes edematous, and the blood vessels are dilated.
  • There may be an accumulation of purulent or mucous contents, which, when dried, give rise to hard-to-remove crusts.

Acute paroxysmal cough is characteristic of inflammation of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. Any inflammatory process in the respiratory tube is initially characterized by a dry cough. This condition is explained by a slight secretion of sputum due to irritation of the nerve receptors of the bronchi, trachea, and larynx. Sputum does not pass away on its own, as it is formed in small quantities.

If there is pharyngitis or laryngitis accompanying tracheitis, patients complain of:

  • burning,
  • soreness,
  • dryness,
  • tickling and other unpleasant sensations in the throat.

Complications

One of the complications of tracheitis are changes and neoplasms of an endotracheal nature. They can be both benign and malignant, and arise due to the constant influence of the inflammatory process and changes in the mucous membrane of the trachea.

Diagnostics

If signs of inflammation of the respiratory tract appear, you should contact your local physician, who, after a physical examination, will probably recommend visiting an otolaryngologist. The diagnosis of tracheitis is established based on clinical and epidemiological data.

Typically, tracheitis is diagnosed quickly, but in some cases (for example, if the patient sought medical help late, when the disease is actively progressing), additional examination may be necessary. These include the following procedures:

  • X-ray of the chest organs - this way doctors rule out pneumonia;
  • spirography - assesses airway patency and excludes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or bronchial asthma;
  • laboratory examination of sputum - this procedure is necessary to identify the causative agent of the disease if it is intended to prescribe antibacterial drugs (antibiotics).

Treatment of tracheitis

Moderate and mild forms of pathology, which are combined with other signs of a respiratory infection, are treated at home (outpatient).

  • identification and elimination of the etiological factor - allergen, viruses, bacteria;
  • relief of symptoms of the disease;
  • preventing the development of complications or transition to a chronic form.

The greatest effect during drug treatment in adults can be achieved with the help of drugs produced in the form of aerosols. This form of drugs allows you to penetrate into all parts of the trachea and bronchial tree.

  • For bacterial tracheitis, antibiotics are used (amoxicillin, ceftrioxone, azithromycin),
  • for a viral infection - antiviral agents (proteflazid, umifenovir, interferon preparations),
  • for allergies - antiallergic drugs (loratadine, desoloratadine, hifenadine).
  • Expectorants (marshmallow root, coltsfoot, thermopsis) and mucolytics (acetylcesteine, bromhexine) are used.

Antibiotics are prescribed for proven bacterial infection. It will take 1-2 weeks for bacterial culture results to be obtained. During this period, tracheitis must be treated. A bacterial infection can be assumed based on an increase in white blood cells and a high temperature for more than 3 days.

The greatest effect during drug treatment can be achieved with the help of drugs produced in the form of aerosols. This form of drugs allows you to penetrate into all parts of the trachea and bronchial tree.

Throughout the entire course of treatment, a gentle chemical, mechanical diet is recommended (fatty, spicy, fried foods are excluded), only warm drinks and drinking in large quantities. Mustard plasters are attached to the chest area, the room is regularly ventilated, and wet cleaning is carried out.

How to treat chronic tracheitis?

Chronic tracheitis in adults takes much longer to treat than its acute form. This is due to the fact that treatment of chronic tracheitis is aimed not only at eliminating the cough symptom, but also at treating complications such as pharyngitis and bronchitis. The chronic form of the disease most often has a bacterial etiology; accordingly, antibacterial therapy is indicated.

  • When mucopurulent sputum is isolated, broad-spectrum antibiotics are used: ampicillin, doxycycline.
  • Inhalations of phytoncides are used: onion, garlic and chlorophyllipt.
  • Expectorant medications include copious alkaline drinks, a 3% solution of potassium iodide, decoctions and infusions of marshmallow and thermopsis.
  • stressful situations;
  • physical exercise;
  • smoking;
  • consumption of alcoholic beverages.

How to treat tracheitis with folk remedies

Traditional medicine offers many effective ways to combat respiratory diseases, but before using them, it is recommended to consult a specialist.

  1. You can gargle with infusion of onion peels. Pour 2 tablespoons of husks into two glasses of boiling water, leave for 2-4 hours in a thermos and gargle with the infusion several times a day.
  2. Inhalations for tracheitis can be carried out using mineral water, but only alkaline water. Thanks to treatment with their help, it is possible to moisturize the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and quickly remove accumulated mucus.
  3. Mustard foot baths. To do this, you just need to pour dry mustard (in powder) into your socks and put them on your feet.
  4. Traditional medicine recommends treating allergic tracheitis with an infusion of blackberry leaves and fruits. For this, 2 tbsp. l. pour 500 ml of mixture. boiling water and let it brew for 1 hour. Drink the strained solution instead of tea.
  5. Take 1 tablespoon of: honey, mustard powder, vegetable oil. Mix. Heat in a water bath. Add 1.5 tablespoons of vodka. Wrap in gauze and make a compress. Leave overnight.
  6. Licorice root helps with tracheitis. The drug has pronounced expectorant and antitussive properties. It reduces the number of attacks, but makes them more effective. Licorice root syrup is one of the most effective herbal remedies.

Prevention

Prevention of both acute and chronic tracheitis is aimed at timely elimination of the causes of tracheitis, strengthening the body, especially for persons predisposed to acute diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

  • Avoid hypothermia and large crowds of people in the autumn-winter-spring periods.
  • A healthy lifestyle (nutrition, walks in the fresh air, exercise, vitamins), fighting bad habits.
  • Hardening the body during a period of health (rubbing, dousing with cool water).
  • Timely treatment for acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections can prevent the onset of tracheitis in some cases.
  • Timely treatment of chronic foci of infections and concomitant diseases.

Proper nutrition, a healthy lifestyle, and careful attention to your health will help avoid the occurrence of diseases such as tracheitis. The symptoms and treatment of this disease can only be determined by a specialist.

Add a comment Cancel reply

© All information on the “Symptoms and Treatment” website is provided for informational purposes. Do not self-medicate, but consult an experienced doctor. | User agreement and contacts |

Source: http://simptomy-i-lechenie.net/traheit/

Tracheitis in adults: symptoms, treatment

A dry cough is considered to be a typical companion to ARVI. And few people know that the nature of this reflex can be different. For example, a cough may indicate the development of pharyngitis, bronchitis or tracheitis.

Clinical picture

Tracheitis is understood as inflammation of the mucous membrane of the trachea - a wide respiratory tube that connects the larynx to the bronchi.

Most often, the disease develops against the background of a viral infection. Pathogens descend from the throat and nasopharynx.

Less commonly, inflammation is provoked by bacterial agents - streptococci, staphylococci, Klebsiella and others. They can enter the trachea with contaminated air or from foci of infections located in the nasal and oral cavities (with sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis). If inflammation is not treated on time, it can spread even further - to the bronchi and lungs.

Microbes take root more easily on irritated mucous membranes, so smokers, allergy sufferers, and workers in the paint and varnish industry are at risk. The chances of catching an infection also increase when the immune system is weakened - against the background of exacerbation of chronic diseases, poor nutrition, and overwork.

The disease can be acute or chronic:

  1. Acute tracheitis is manifested by a hacking, barking cough. During attacks, a raw pain is felt behind the sternum, which can radiate to the interscapular area. At first, the cough is dry and bothers patients mainly at night and in the morning. On the 3rd–4th day, sputum appears. It is viscous, thin, with viral tracheitis it is transparent, with bacterial tracheitis it is yellow-green (purulent).

The general condition of the patients changes slightly. Some may experience a slight increase in temperature and headaches. If the disease is combined with inflammation of the larynx (laryngitis), hoarseness may occur. With pure tracheitis, the ligaments are not affected. Acute illness lasts 1–2 weeks.

  1. Chronic tracheitis can be a continuation of acute tracheitis or develop independently. The latter option often occurs with prolonged irritation of the respiratory tract by harmful substances - smoke, dust, etc.

With a chronic illness, patients suffer from a debilitating cough, which intensifies at night. Seizures can also occur when crying, laughing, or changing air temperature. The cough can be either dry or with copious sputum. The disease lasts for at least 3 months, periodically either subsiding or worsening.

The diagnosis is made based on the clinical picture and examination of the trachea using a laryngoscope.

Treatment methods

The patient is prescribed home regimen. If the disease occurs against the background of a viral infection (influenza, ARVI), antiviral drugs (Amiksin, Rimantadine) are prescribed. If the bacterial nature of the disease is suspected (usually chronic forms of bronchitis), antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Tsiprolet) or sulfonamides (Biseptol) are recommended.

Mustard plasters are recommended among the procedures. They are placed before bed on the chest or interscapular area. If there are no objections from the doctor, you can apply warm compresses to the neck.

For a dry, debilitating cough, antitussives (Codelac, Libexin) are prescribed. When sputum appears, expectorants (Bromhexine, Ambrobene).

To prevent coughing attacks from causing insomnia, your doctor may recommend taking sedatives at night.

When treating chronic forms of the disease, it is important to eliminate the cause of the disease. Smokers are advised to give up the bad habit, and chemical industry workers are advised to change jobs, otherwise the disease will progress. Sanatorium-resort treatment gives a good effect for chronic tracheitis.

ethnoscience

Therapy prescribed by a doctor can be combined with traditional methods of treating tracheitis:

  1. At the beginning of the disease, it is useful to do “cold” inhalations. Finely chop one onion, add 2 crushed cloves of garlic. Transfer the mixture into a gauze bag and breathe over it for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Decoctions of chamomile, sage, and calendula have an anti-inflammatory effect. 2 tbsp. l. Any of these herbs is brewed with a glass of boiling water. Decoctions are drunk 1/3 cup 3 times a day.
  3. When sputum appears, expectorant mixtures with coltsfoot, plantain, wild rosemary, violet, marshmallow, licorice, and thyme are used.
  4. Steam inhalations with decoctions of the above herbs, hot potatoes, and mineral water also help improve sputum discharge. However, it should be remembered that at elevated temperatures, thermal procedures are contraindicated.
  5. Inside, for a wet cough, it is good to drink milk with soda and honey (for a glass of milk - 1/2 teaspoon of soda and 1 teaspoon of honey).
  6. A good expectorant is black radish juice. Mix it in equal parts with honey and drink 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day.
  7. Another tasty cough medicine is figs. 3-4 of its berries are simmered over low heat in a glass of milk. All this must be eaten and drunk warm.

About the symptoms and treatment of acute tracheitis in adults in the “Live Healthy!” program:

Source: http://otolaryngologist.ru/1165

Tracheitis: symptoms and treatment in adults

Tracheitis is an inflammatory disease of the tracheal mucosa. This pathology usually occurs as a complication of another upper respiratory tract disease. This is due to the downward propagation of the process. Tracheitis is dangerous for the development of acute respiratory failure. This nosology should only be treated by a qualified specialist.

General ideas about the disease

The disease tracheitis is changes in the mucous membrane of the tracheal tube cavity. It directly connects to the bronchi, and the latter pass into the lungs. Therefore, inflammation in this area can have serious health consequences. In acute tracheitis, respiratory failure may occur. This is due to the fact that during inflammation, a spasm occurs in the trachea, which leads to difficulty in the passage of air. The rapid increase in hypoxia affects the functioning of the entire body. This is especially harmful to brain tissue.

Another feature of tracheitis is its development mechanism. Often the etiology is untreated inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. These include the pathologies of influenza or ARVI. According to the descending principle, infections descend from the oropharynx to the larynx, and then to the tracheobronchial tree. This causes inflammation of the mucous membrane. Often the disease is preceded by nosologies such as laryngitis or pharyngitis.

Etiological factors

In the development of tracheitis, the etiology and factors that can provoke the occurrence of pathology should be clearly distinguished. The reasons are:

The following types of microbial agents can be distinguished:

Among viruses, the following groups are of particular importance:

  • adenoviruses;
  • rhinoviruses;
  • human influenza virus;
  • respiratory syncytial.

The listed etiological factors also cause other pathologies of the respiratory system. An important feature is the spread of the inflammatory process from top to bottom.

Provoking factors in the development of tracheitis:

  • severe hypothermia;
  • untreated pathology of the upper respiratory tract;
  • immunodeficiency states;
  • prolonged exposure to a room with high humidity;
  • sudden change in temperature outside;
  • smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages;
  • foci of chronic inflammation in the body;
  • abuse of antibiotics and their uncontrolled use;
  • concomitant nosoforms of the respiratory system;
  • burdened allergy history.

It is these factors that become the trigger in the development of tracheitis.

Of particular importance is sudden hypothermia. It is this factor that leads to disruption of the body’s compensatory mechanisms and a decrease in local mucosal immunity. The protection of the tracheal membranes is provided by immunoglobulin A. It belongs to the surface globulins that provide immunity.

It is the decrease in immunity that leads to the activation of bacterial flora. In the presence of an untreated pathological focus of the respiratory system, namely rhinitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, microorganisms remain on the mucous membranes. And a decrease in the body’s defenses leads to their active growth and spread along a descending path.

Any immunodeficiency conditions play a role in the development of this nosological unit. They affect the body’s overall resistance to various microbes and viruses.

This group also includes uncontrolled use of antibiotics. Self-medication with antimicrobial drugs leads not only to a decrease in immunity, but also to an increase in the resistance of various microorganisms to them.

The development of an allergic reaction, as a rule, occurs as a delayed type of hypersensitivity. This means that the mucous membrane is very sensitive to various foreign agents.

Types of tracheitis

The classification is based on several principles. Based on the time from the onset of the disease, they are distinguished:

Based on the etiological factor, the following are distinguished:

Chronic tracheitis is a pathology that does not go away for more than 3 months. When the first symptoms appear, they speak of an acute course of the disease.

Clinical picture

Common symptoms of tracheitis are the following:

Depending on the etiology, the clinical course of the disease varies.

Bacterial

The nosological form “bacterial tracheitis” develops as a complication of another process. It is often preceded by acute respiratory diseases, influenza, and sore throat. The presence of concomitant pathology in the form of chronic tonsillitis is one of the factors reducing local immunity and the spread of bacterial agents along the tracheobronchial tree.

The disease begins acutely. There is an increase in body temperature to 38. A cough is added. It is initially dry and then can become productive. This means that the cough is accompanied by secretion in the form of sputum.

It accumulates in the bronchi. Therefore, the appearance of this symptom indicates the development of an inflammatory process in the bronchial tree. Bacterial tracheitis can be of various types. When it comes to the bacterial form, the discharge takes on the corresponding appearance. Purulent tracheitis develops due to a bacterial nature. Green discharge during coughing indicates the progression of the pathological process.

Viral

The development of this form is associated with previous processes of precisely the corresponding etiology. Tracheitis is often a complication of influenza or other rhinovirus pathology. In this case, a decrease in general immunity plays a special role. Typically progression occurs in the presence of an immunodeficiency state. This means that compensatory mechanisms are at a minimum level and cannot properly respond to changes in the body.

Signs of tracheitis in this form consist of the following:

  • intoxication syndrome in the form of chills, fever, poor health;
  • dry cough;
  • pain in the chest along the trachea.

Tracheitis without cough occurs at the very beginning of the inflammatory process in the trachea. Cough as a symptom occurs when receptors in the bronchi are irritated. In the case when the process has not yet descended into the bronchial tree, there may be no cough. In such a situation, the first sign will be chest pain and difficulty breathing.

The difference between this form and others is the predominance of severe intoxication.

It is important that viruses cannot become the etiology of chronic tracheitis.

When virus particles replicate in the body, viremia develops. This means that they have entered the bloodstream. This is what causes the feverish state.

It is important to note that this form can become a condition for the development of a bacterial variant. This is due to the fact that the viruses themselves cause a decrease in immunity, which leads to the activation of pathogenic flora.

Fungal

The Aspergillus variant is common. It is characterized by the following features:

  • mucopurulent discharge with inclusions in the form of lumps;
  • low-grade fever;
  • dry cough.

Actinomycosis tracheitis also occurs. As a rule, these representatives can enter the tracheobronchial tree from the esophagus. Another form is candidiasis. Fungi of this genus live everywhere on the oral mucosa. But their number is minimal. It is the decrease in immunity that leads to their active growth and development.

Subglottic

The inflammatory process can be localized either throughout the trachea or in its parts. The development of changes at the transition of the larynx to the tracheobronchial tree is called the subglottic tree. Its manifestation is considered:

  • barking dry cough;
  • a sore throat;
  • hoarseness due to close proximity of the vocal cords;
  • breathing disorder.

This option is the most dangerous, since the pathological process can affect the larynx. Since this organ is responsible for conducting air, changes that occur there lead to difficulty breathing.

Chronic

A feature of the chronic form is its periodic exacerbation. This process leads to irreversible changes in the wall of the organ. Therefore, it is important to promptly seek specialized help from a specialist.

The chronic course consists of two phases: remission and relapse. Accordingly, during the acute stage, all symptoms are pronounced. During remission, a dry cough remains.

The danger during chronic tracheitis consists of changes that occur in the mucous membrane.

After each exacerbation, an increasing amount of healthy tissue is involved in the pathologically altered tissue.

Atrophic or hypertrophic processes occur. Accompanied by difficulty breathing, cough and chest pain.

Changes in the trachea

The development of the inflammatory process is accompanied by swelling in the trachea. The changed tissues swell and become hyperemic. This leads to the formation of exudate in the tissues. It compresses the nerve endings, causing pain along the trachea. At the time of coughing, pain is localized in the chest. With a long-term process, a chronic course develops. In this case, an inflammatory process is always present in the mucous membrane of the trachea. This leads to irreversible changes such as atrophy or hypertrophy.

Tracheitis as an independent disease

Most often, tracheitis occurs as a complication of another pathology. But there is a case when this nosological unit arises as an independent disease. This means that tracheitis is not associated specifically with pathology of the respiratory system. However, it develops against a background of reduced immunity. This is due to pathologies that affect the immune status of the body. These include HIV, chronic hepatitis, diabetes mellitus, and foci of a chronic process. The presence of such nosoforms leads to constant stress on the immune system. This may serve as a condition for the development of tracheitis as an independent disease.

Therapeutic measures

The doctor determines the symptoms and treatment of tracheitis in adults.

Therapy for tracheitis consists of the following points:

  • making a diagnosis based on clinical and diagnostic data;
  • prescription of antibacterial therapy;
  • establishment of etiology;
  • symptomatic and pathogenetic therapy;
  • prevention of relapses and complications.

All stages are interconnected with each other.

The first steps are diagnostic procedures. At this stage, an anamnesis is collected, an examination is carried out, and general clinical examinations are prescribed.

Treatment of tracheitis in adults begins with the prescription of antibacterial drugs. The choice is based on the previously collected anamnesis. If the patient has previously suffered from a sore throat or other upper respiratory tract disease caused by bacteria, then he is prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Among them are the drugs of choice as medications for tracheitis in adults:

Fluoroquinolones have a detrimental effect on both gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. Cephalosporins are divided into 4 generations. 3rd generation drugs are considered the most effective. According to reviews from ENT specialists, Ceftriaxone has a pronounced effect on microbes. It has a bactericidal effect.

Macrolides are prescribed in case of intolerance to cephalosporins or fluoroquinolones.

Antibiotics should only be taken as prescribed by a specialist. Self-medication with such medications can only worsen the course.

Antiviral drugs are prescribed only for pathologies with this etiology. The peculiarity is that these medications are effective only in the first two days of illness. Their use is necessary for influenza as a prevention of complications in the form of tracheitis.

Symptomatic therapy

In case of severe intoxication syndrome, tracheitis should be treated with antipyretic drugs. These include:

Temperatures with tracheitis above 38 require the prescription of these medications.

Since Paracetamol belongs to the group of NSAIDs, it also has an analgesic effect. This combination allows you to achieve a good therapeutic effect.

Since one of the symptoms of tracheitis is cough, the prescription of antitussive drugs is considered appropriate. Apply:

  1. Bromhexine tablets or solution.
  2. Liquorice root.
  3. Ambrobene syrup.
When the cough becomes productive, expectorants are prescribed. For this purpose, substances such as:

These agents also have a mucolytic effect. They contribute to the dilution of the secretion and its rapid removal from the bronchi.

The general treatment period is a week. In case of complicated tracheitis, hospitalization is required. How to treat tracheitis in adults with an allergic variant is decided by an allergist. Then, in addition to the main therapy, hyposensitizing treatment will be added.

It includes taking the following medications:

Treatment for tracheitis is based on establishing the etiology. In case of frequent relapses, the patient is prescribed a bacteriological examination of the discharge from the pharynx. This analysis allows you to identify the type of pathogen with a complete list of antibiotics.

Nebulizer for tracheitis

This device belongs to inhalation devices. Since the inflammation is localized in the trachea, a nebulizer can be used as a local treatment. This is due to the fact that the medicine contained in it directly enters the lesion.

This method allows you to quickly cure tracheitis. Antibiotics or expectorants are used as drugs for inhalation.

When inhaled, the medicine from the nebulizer reaches the tracheal mucosa. Inflammation of the trachea is treated with an inhaler, which has a local effect on microorganisms. This option is used for mild cases of the disease. More severe and complicated forms require systemic antibiotic therapy.

Prevention

One of the leading areas of prevention is increasing immunity. To do this, it is recommended to lead an active lifestyle and limit bad habits. Treat respiratory tract pathologies in a timely manner.

Complications

Complications of tracheitis are directly related to the adequacy of treatment measures and the time the patient seeks help. These include acute respiratory failure. It occurs due to stenosis of the trachea and larynx. This is especially true for the subglottic variant of the disease.

Chronic tracheitis of the hypertrophic type leads to a gradual narrowing of the tracheal lumen. This is also a condition for the development of hypoxia and respiratory failure.

An acute variant of the course can become one of the conditions for the spread of microbes to the underlying parts of the respiratory organs. This is only possible with low immunity and untimely treatment. The spread contributes to the involvement of the bronchi in the pathological process, and then the alveoli themselves with the development of pneumonia.

Chronic course leads to degeneration of tracheal tissue. This promotes the development of endotracheal neoplasms.

Tracheitis is a respiratory pathology that requires immediate treatment. If you notice symptoms, you should immediately seek help from a specialist.

Source: http://pulmono.ru/gorlo/traheit/traheit-simptomy-i-lechenie-u-vzroslyh