Tracheobronchitis
What is Tracheobronchitis?
Tracheobronchitis is the acute inflammation and swelling of the trachea and bronchi, the two tubes that carry air to the lungs. It is a type of lower respiratory tract infection commonly caused by a viral infection, including the common cold virus, or by a bacterial infection. Tracheobronchitis is commonly referred to as a “chest cold.”
Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of tracheobronchitis include:
- Fever
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain and tightness
- Runny nose
- Body aches
- Fatigue
Causes
Tracheobronchitis is most commonly caused by respiratory viruses, such as:
- Influenza virus
- Parainfluenza virus
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Adenovirus
- Rhinovirus
Treatment
The treatment for tracheobronchitis is aimed at relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Treatment may include:
- Rest
- Over-the-counter medications to reduce fever and relieve pain, including ibuprofen and acetaminophen
- Cough suppressant medications to help you get some rest
- Inhaled medications to open the airways and reduce inflammation
- Antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection
- Antiviral medications to treat certain viral infections
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
Complications
Possible complications of tracheobronchitis include:
- Wheezing
- Infection of the lungs (pneumonia)
- Severe breathing problems requiring hospitalization
- Chronic bronchitis, which is inflammation of the bronchi that lasts longer than 3 months
- Asthma flare-ups