OVERVIEW

What is tracheitis?

Tracheitis refers to inflammation of the trachea, mostly bronchiolitis, which is inflammation of the tracheal and bronchial mucosa caused by viral or bacterial infections or non-infectious factors such as physical or chemical irritation. It is classified into acute tracheitis and chronic tracheitis.

Is tracheitis common?

Tracheitis is a fairly common disease. Chronic tracheitis is also one of the prevalent diseases in China, mostly affecting people over 40 years old. The incidence is significantly higher among smokers than non-smokers. In China, the prevalence is higher in the north than in the south, and higher in rural areas than in urban areas.

SYMPTOMS

What are the common manifestations of bronchitis?

• Acute bronchitis often occurs during cold seasons or sudden climate changes, or may result from lingering common colds or flu. It has a relatively sudden onset, with clinical manifestations mainly including cough and sputum production. The cough typically lasts 10 to 20 days, occasionally extending to 4 weeks or longer, and may be accompanied by fever.

• Chronic bronchitis is primarily characterized by long-term cough and sputum production, with or without wheezing, lasting for 3 months or longer each year.

CAUSES

What are the causes of bronchitis?

Common causes of acute bronchitis include microbial infections, as well as non-biological factors such as cold air, dust, irritant gases, or allergic reactions.

• Common microorganisms include: viruses such as adenovirus, influenza virus, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and parainfluenza virus; bacteria such as Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis; as well as chlamydia and mycoplasma.

• Common allergens include: pollen, organic dust, fungal spores, animal fur, and excretions.

Causes of chronic bronchitis mainly include: smoking (including secondhand smoke), occupational dust (including indoor decoration), air pollution (such as vehicle exhaust), and infectious factors (such as bacteria and viruses).

Who is prone to bronchitis?

• Acute bronchitis mostly occurs in the elderly and those with weak constitutions.

• Chronic bronchitis mostly occurs in smokers, those exposed to harmful gases for long periods, individuals with weakened immune systems, and the elderly or physically weak.

Is bronchitis contagious? How is bronchitis transmitted?

Bronchitis is generally not contagious. However, if it is acute bronchitis caused by microorganisms, a few pathogenic microbes can be transmitted through the respiratory tract.

DIAGNOSIS

How is tracheitis diagnosed?

Doctors primarily diagnose tracheitis based on symptoms such as coughing and sputum production, along with chest X-ray findings showing increased lung markings.

What tests are needed if tracheitis is suspected?

Generally, a complete blood count (CBC) and chest X-ray are required. If elevated white blood cells are detected, further tests like sputum smear and sputum culture may be needed. For severe or treatment-resistant cough, Mycoplasma pneumoniae antibody testing may be performed. Patients with wheezing may require pulmonary function tests.

What is the purpose of specific diagnostic tests for tracheitis?

• For patients with recurrent fever, a CBC helps doctors preliminarily assess the possibility of bacterial infection and determine whether antibiotics are necessary.

• Chest X-rays help differentiate tracheitis from conditions like pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and lung abscess.

• Sputum smear and culture tests help identify pathogenic bacteria or viruses.

• Pulmonary function tests help determine the cause of breathing difficulties or wheezing.

Which diseases can tracheitis be easily confused with?

Conditions like influenza, acute upper respiratory infections, bronchopneumonia, tuberculosis, lung cancer, lung abscess, measles, and whooping cough may present with similar symptoms such as cough and sputum. Differentiation is typically achieved through blood tests (CBC), chest X-rays, and sputum examinations.

TREATMENT

Which department should I visit for bronchitis?

Bronchitis is generally treated in the respiratory medicine or internal medicine department.

What are the treatment methods for bronchitis?

The treatment for acute bronchitis mainly includes:

• Rest, drinking plenty of water, avoiding fatigue, quitting smoking, and improving surrounding air quality;

• Symptomatic treatments such as cough suppressants, expectorants, and fever reducers;

• If confirmed to be caused by bacterial infection, antibiotics are also required.

The treatment for acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis mainly includes:

• Symptomatic treatments such as cough suppressants, expectorants, and bronchodilators. If there is fever or yellow phlegm, antibiotics are needed.

• During the asymptomatic remission period, the focus is on preventing acute exacerbations, including quitting smoking, avoiding inhaling harmful particles, improving physical fitness, and getting flu vaccinations.

What are the consequences of not treating bronchitis promptly?

If acute bronchitis persists, it can develop into chronic bronchitis. Some chronic bronchitis patients may progress to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or even cor pulmonale.

Can bronchitis be completely cured?

Acute bronchitis can generally be completely cured without leaving sequelae. Some chronic bronchitis patients can manage the condition without it affecting work or life. However, if treatment is irregular and the condition is poorly controlled, it may develop into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, impairing normal respiratory function and even affecting heart function, leading to cor pulmonale and impacting blood circulation.

DIET & LIFESTYLE

What should tracheitis patients pay attention to in their diet?

• Maintain a light diet and eat plenty of fresh vegetables such as cabbage, spinach, rapeseed, radish, and carrot;

• There is no need to specifically avoid spicy or irritating foods unless they cause or worsen discomfort;

• Limit overly sweet foods like cake and overly salty foods like pickled products.

What should tracheitis patients pay attention to in daily life?

• In addition to dietary considerations, engage in moderate exercise, such as breathing exercises or Tai Chi, to boost immunity, but avoid overexertion and refrain from exercising outdoors in poor weather conditions;

• Adjust clothing promptly according to weather changes;

• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke; take precautions in polluted air;

• Get vaccinated against the flu in a timely manner.

PREVENTION

Can bronchitis be prevented? How to prevent bronchitis?

Yes, it can be prevented.

Mainly by improving physical fitness, avoiding fatigue, and preventing colds. At the same time, quit smoking, improve living and hygiene conditions, and prevent air pollution. Address infections in areas like the nose and throat, such as actively treating and controlling rhinitis, sinusitis, or tonsillitis.

How to prevent recurrent bronchitis?

• Quit smoking, avoid polluted environments, and prevent inhalation of harmful gases or particles;

• Engage in appropriate exercise to strengthen the body and prevent colds;

• Maintain a healthy diet with balanced nutrition;

• Pay attention to psychological adjustment, and for patients with recurrent episodes, help them build confidence in overcoming the disease.