Tracheitis
Medical Questions » Illnesses » Tracheitis
| Name: Tracheitis |
| Also known as: |
| Infection of the trachea (windpipe), usually by viruses, but sometimes by bacteria. |
Causes of Tracheitis
The infecting viruses or bacteria are inhaled from the breath of someone who has some form of respiratory tract infection (eg. common cold, bronchitis, sinusitis). |
Symptoms of Tracheitis
Painful breathing, persistent dry cough, pain in the chest behind the upper end of the breast bone, fever and tiredness. |
Tests for Tracheitis
None normally necessary. |
Treatment for Tracheitis
Antibiotics can cure the condition if caused by bacteria, but viral infections can only be treated with aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications, cough suppressants, and paracetamol for pain. In severe cases
inhaled steroids may be used to settle the inflammation.
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Complications of Tracheitis of its treatment
The infection may spread up to the throat to cause laryngitis, or down into the lungs to cause bronchitis. |
Likely Outcome of Tracheitis
Bacterial infections settle rapidly with antibiotics, while viral infections may persist for two or more weeks before settling. |
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