The common cold is an underestimated condition. It presents symptoms such as upper respiratory tract infection or dry cough, and people usually do not visit the doctor.
However, tracheitis is similar to the common cold. It manifests with those symptoms and may indicate a more severe illness. So what is tracheitis, and what are the symptoms? Could a severe cough be a sign of tracheitis?
What is Tracheitis?
Tracheitis is an infection that occurs in the trachea. Bacteria and viruses can cause tracheitis, and its treatment is much more difficult in children than adults. The risk of tracheitis is high, especially in people who consume alcohol and smoke heavily.
Inflammation due to viruses and microorganisms in the trachea can irritate the trachea and form a condition called acute tracheitis.
One of the most important causes of tracheitis is bacteria. Children who spend a lot of time at school or parks increase the risk of tracheitis. Another reason in children is the blockage and irritation due to stenosis of the trachea.
Apart from all these, the common cold is the most fundamental cause of tracheitis. Because of the cold, the body becomes more vulnerable to diseases. Therefore, the risk of infection increases. On the other hand, winter diseases such as flu and cold, kidney diseases, heart and lung diseases, and nose and throat infections are also among the causes of tracheitis.
What Are the Symptoms of Tracheitis?
Here is a list of the most common symptoms of tracheitis:
- Severe dry cough attacks,
- Chest pain due to coughing attacks,
- Difficulty in breathing,
- Severe pain in the trachea,
- High fever and low-pitched voice.
All these symptoms also occur in an ordinary winter disease; therefore, we must do proper examinations and screenings for diagnosis.
Because in the later stages of the disease, sore throat can negatively affect nutrition. Since the immune system is defenseless due to the illness, there is a risk of developing bronchitis and pneumonia. Therefore the necessary treatment should be initiated as soon as possible.
Can Severe Cough Be a Symptom of Tracheitis?
Tracheitis symptoms usually begin with upper respiratory tract infections. Afterward, the most prominent sign is a dry cough. The cough is mainly irritating the throat. Later on, the symptoms listed above may also occur.
A severe cough is a symptom of tracheitis. There are some recommendations to prevent and help the healing process:
- Quit smoking and alcohol consumption,
- Since bacteria will cause the progression of the disease, frequent hand-washing is essential,
- Stress control, sleep, and nutrition should be balanced and regular,
- Maximum protection should be provided, especially in cold weather.
Besides, supportive treatments such as humidification help relieve the cough. Warm fluid consumption and anti-inflammatory drugs may be helpful in controlling symptoms. The use of antibiotics may also be recommended by doctors when necessary.
Surgical intervention is also a treatment method in cases where the disease is very advanced and cannot be treated with these methods. After the diagnosis of the disease, treatment and recommendations are made by the specialist doctor.
Tracheitis can be treated by following the doctor's recommendations, making lifestyle changes, and stitching to the treatment process.