Tracheobronchitis - causes and signs of tracheobronchitis

In modern medicine, there are three main types of the disease: acute, chronic and allergic. The first is formed as a result of viral infections or bacteria (streptococci, staphylococci, etc.). The second is formed on the basis of an advanced acute form. As a rule, it occurs in smokers and people who work in constant contact with dust or smoke. The third type is typical when an irritant (microparticles of wool, dust, pollen, perfume, etc.) enters the body.

Causes

Provoking factors include:

• inhalation of excessively hot/cold or dry/humid air;
• inhalation of vapors that irritate the mucous membranes;
• abuse of cigarettes and alcohol;
• penetration of viral infections into the body (examples include the causative agents of parainfluenza, rubella, scarlet fever, measles, flu, acute respiratory viral infections, etc.);
• the occurrence of bacterial infections in the body (streptococci, influenza, staphylococci, pneumococci);
• activation of opportunistic flora of the respiratory system under unfavorable conditions;
• as a complication of upper respiratory tract infections (rhinitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis);
• weakening of the immune system.

Most often, inflammation follows a disease of the upper respiratory tract and manifests itself as a complication.

Symptoms

The symptoms of each form of this pathology have their own specifics.

Signs of the acute form can be swelling of the trachea or bronchi, accumulation of sputum, a dry lingering cough with a deep breath (especially at night and in the morning), fever and sweating, malaise, hoarse and hoarse voice, pain in the larynx and behind the breastbone after coughing, rapid breathing, the presence of viscous mucus.

Characteristics of the chronic variant are a long course of inflammation, discomfort in the chest when cough, periodic "waves" of painful cough, shortness of breath, mucous and purulent sputum, in some cases - atrophy of the pituitary (mucous) surface of the upper respiratory tract.

Manifestations of the third (allergic) type are sudden and prolonged coughing attacks provoked by certain, usually inhaled allergens, which at their peak can provoke vomiting, severe pain in the throat and behind the breastbone, manifestations of irritant keratitis, rhinitis or conjunctivitis, temperature and general well-being within normal limits.

Diagnostics

If symptoms are detected, you should make an appointment with a general practitioner to establish an accurate diagnosis and avoid the occurrence of possible exacerbations (pneumonia, laryngitis, bronchial asthma, etc.). Further consultation with a pulmonologist, allergist or otolaryngologist may be required.

To diagnose the inflammatory process, specialists can resort to the following methods:

• establishing a basic diagnosis based on the initial examination of the patient and taking anamnesis;
• laryngoscopy;
• bronchoscopy;
• bacterial culture of sputum;
• bacteriological examination of smears from the nose and throat;
• clinical blood test;
• radiography (if pneumonia is suspected);
• allergy tests.

Treatment

The disease is treated by a therapist. In case of detection of an allergic type, consultation with an allergist is necessary to determine the provoking allergen. In case of chronic form, recommendations of an otolaryngologist are important.

If an acute manifestation of such a disease is detected, therapy should be urgent, otherwise the patient risks acquiring numerous complications (bronchial obstruction, severe damage to the tissues of the bronchial walls, hyperemia). Seek medical help without delay.

Complex of therapeutic measures:

• thermal and warm-alkaline inhalation;
• application of mustard plasters to the chest;
• warm warming drinks in small portions;
• electrophoresis of the chest area (lidocaine, dionine, codeine are used);
• magnetic therapy of the back of the chest;
• use of ultraviolet irradiation on the sternum, neck, interscapular area;
• ultrahigh-frequency therapy (alternating effects of decimeter waves on the trachea and interscapular area);
• expectorants, antitussives, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic drugs;
• antiviral agents;
• antibiotics and sulfa drugs (if the inflammatory processes spread further, to the lower respiratory tract);
• taking vitamins (C and A).

Prevention

For prevention, it is necessary to avoid colds or other diseases of the upper respiratory tract, places with increased dust and gas pollution. It is also recommended to regularly ventilate the premises and wet clean the premises.