Tracheobronchitis, also known as bronchitis, is a condition involving inflammation of the trachea or bronchial tubes, 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 usually heals 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 the trachea and bronchi. When inflammation occurs in these parts of the body, it is often known as tracheobronchitis. This is a relatively common condition that can be the result of a viral or bacterial infection. If a person swallows 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. However, if the symptoms are caused by a viral or bacterial infection, this can be contagious. However, bronchitis caused by irritants, such as cigarette smoke, cannot be transmitted directly from person to person.
A cough, which may be dry or contain phlegm, is the most common symptom of tracheobronchitis. Depending on the severity of the condition, constant coughing can lead to other symptoms, such as pain in the chest or abdomen. In the most 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 the muscles and inflammation of the airways, sore throat, and fever.
The condition is usually acute, meaning it will often only last a few weeks. However, if the condition causes chronic inflammation, medical treatment becomes more important. To start, the patient should rest and try to keep warm, while avoiding dehydration. If the cough is causing significant discomfort, a humidifier may be helpful to reduce irritation. Over-the-counter pain relievers and cough medicines can also help reduce symptoms and make the condition more bearable.
Tracheobronchitis symptoms are often caused by viral infections, which cannot be treated with antibiotics. However, if the tracheobronchitis is the result of a bacterial infection, antibiotic treatment may be prescribed. In many acute cases, a doctor will recommend treating the symptoms rather than the underlying cause because the discomfort usually resolves naturally.