Tracheobronchitis, also known as bronchitis, is a condition involving inflammation of the windpipe 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 a cough, wheezing, and sore throat. Treatment usually focuses on the symptoms because the condition generally heals itself naturally and relatively quickly, but sometimes antibiotics are prescribed. Rest and lots of water are commonly recommended to speed up the recovery process.
The respiratory tract contains both the windpipe and 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 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 technically is not contagious. If, however, the symptoms are caused by a viral or bacterial infection, it this may be contagious. Bronchitis caused by irritants, such as cigarette smoke, cannot be directly passed between people, however.
A cough, which can either be dry or contain phlegm, is the most common symptom of the condition. Depending on its severity, constant coughing can result in other symptoms such as a sore 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 muscles tightening and the airways becoming inflamed, a sore throat, and fever.
The condition is usually acute, which means it will often only last a few weeks. If, however, the condition causes chronic inflammation, medical treatment becomes more important. To start with, the patient should rest and try to stay warm, while at the same time avoiding dehydration. If the cough is causing significant discomfort, a humidifier may be helpful to decrease irritation. Over-the-counter painkillers and cough medicine can also help to 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 itself naturally.
