OVERVIEW

What is acute tracheobronchitis?

Acute tracheobronchitis refers to acute infection or inflammation of the tracheal and bronchial mucosa, usually caused by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or mycoplasma. It can also result from physical, chemical, or allergic factors, or may develop from upper respiratory infections like colds or pharyngitis.
Patients experience more persistent and severe coughing and sputum production compared to colds or pharyngitis. Those with severe infections may develop fever and shortness of breath, and occasionally, blood-streaked sputum may occur.

SYMPTOMS

What are the manifestations of acute tracheobronchitis?

The main symptoms are cough and sputum production. Initially, the cough is dry, but gradually progresses to productive cough with white sticky sputum. If symptoms persist, purulent sputum may appear, accompanied by worsening cough, and occasionally small amounts of blood streaks in the sputum. If bronchospasm occurs simultaneously, shortness of breath may develop.

Early symptoms often resemble those of an upper respiratory tract infection (commonly known as a cold), including nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, hoarseness, and possibly fever or chills. However, the body temperature generally does not exceed 38°C.

Will acute tracheobronchitis leave any sequelae after recovery?

Acute tracheobronchitis is a benign respiratory disease and typically does not leave any sequelae after recovery unless severe complications occur.

What other diseases can acute tracheobronchitis easily lead to?

Children with good physical health rarely develop complications. However, in immunocompromised individuals, complications such as otitis media, sinusitis, or pneumonia may occur.

Can coughing caused by acute tracheobronchitis lead to blood in the sputum?

It is very rare. In cases of extremely severe coughing, occasional blood streaks in the sputum may appear, but this is not a cause for concern. If symptoms do not improve after treatment or other conditions arise, further detailed examination is recommended.

Can acute tracheobronchitis develop into a chronic condition or asthma?

No. Acute tracheobronchitis can generally be cured and does not progress to asthma. Asthma typically occurs in individuals with allergic tendencies, such as those with a history of recurrent cough, wheezing, dermatitis, or allergic rhinitis.

CAUSES

What causes acute tracheobronchitis?

Normally, the human body has immune functions, and the respiratory tract has protective mechanisms to shield the body from harmful external factors. If a person's immune function declines due to cold, fatigue, high stress, etc., and they are exposed to a large number of viruses or bacteria, they are more likely to develop tracheitis or bronchitis.

Who is more susceptible to acute tracheobronchitis?

Children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic underlying conditions are more prone to the disease.
Young children have underdeveloped respiratory systems and immature immune systems.
As people age, their bodily functions decline, leading to poorer physical condition and weakened immunity, making them more vulnerable to infections when exposed to harmful substances like bacteria and viruses.
Patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, malignant tumors, heart failure, or chronic liver and kidney diseases also have weakened immune systems, increasing their risk of acute tracheobronchitis.

Is acute tracheobronchitis contagious?

Acute tracheobronchitis is not classified as an infectious disease. However, when an infected person coughs, droplets containing viruses or bacteria may be expelled. If others inhale a significant amount of these contaminated droplets, they may also fall ill.

DIAGNOSIS

What tests are needed to diagnose acute tracheobronchitis?

The diagnosis can usually be made by reviewing the patient's medical history, symptoms, and performing a physical examination. However, some tests may be required for further evaluation, such as a complete blood count, chest X-ray, or sputum culture.

Is acute tracheobronchitis the same as "chronic bronchitis"?

"Chronic bronchitis" refers to a long-term condition. When it flares up acutely, the symptoms may resemble acute tracheobronchitis. However, chronic bronchitis typically occurs in middle-aged or elderly individuals with a long history of recurrent coughing and phlegm production.

Is bronchial asthma also a type of tracheobronchitis?

While the symptoms may overlap (such as coughing), they are different conditions. Bronchial asthma usually occurs in people with allergies, such as those with recurrent coughing, wheezing, or a history of dermatitis or allergic rhinitis.

Is tracheobronchitis the same as pneumonia?

No. Pneumonia often resembles severe tracheobronchitis, requiring a doctor's evaluation with diagnostic tools. Additionally, poorly treated tracheobronchitis can develop into pneumonia. With pneumonia, a doctor may hear fine crackles in the lungs using a stethoscope, and a chest X-ray or CT scan may reveal new lung opacities. Therefore, if coughing and phlegm worsen along with difficulty breathing, seek medical attention promptly to rule out pneumonia.

What information should I provide to the doctor for acute tracheobronchitis?

Describe your symptoms, their duration and progression, any treatments or medications used, and any drug allergies. Also, disclose other medical conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, or asthma, to help the doctor assess your condition and prescribe appropriate treatment.

How is acute tracheobronchitis different from tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis typically involves persistent coughing, often with visible blood in the sputum, whereas acute tracheobronchitis rarely causes bloody sputum unless coughing is extremely severe. Additionally, tuberculosis patients often experience prolonged low-grade fever in the afternoon, which is uncommon in acute tracheobronchitis. If necessary, further tests will be conducted for confirmation.

TREATMENT

What department should I see for acute tracheobronchitis?

For acute tracheobronchitis, you should visit the respiratory medicine department. If the community hospital does not have specialized departments, you can see internal medicine or general practice. For pediatric tracheobronchitis, visit pediatric respiratory medicine or pediatrics.

Does acute tracheobronchitis require hospitalization?

Generally, hospitalization is not required. However, if there is recurrent fever or significant difficulty breathing, hospitalization may be necessary.

Can acute tracheobronchitis be completely cured?

Acute tracheobronchitis can be fully cured because it is an infectious disease of the trachea and bronchi. Once the infection is controlled, the mucous membranes of the trachea and bronchi gradually repair and return to normal.

What serious consequences can occur if acute tracheobronchitis is left untreated?

It may prolong the course of the disease, develop into chronic bronchitis, or allow the infection to spread downward, leading to more severe conditions such as pneumonia, lung abscess, or bronchiectasis.

How should acute tracheobronchitis be treated?

• Symptomatic treatment for respiratory issues

• Medications for cough and phlegm, such as antitussives and expectorants, as well as bronchodilators for wheezing. Antipyretics should be given if fever is present.

• Etiological treatment

• Medications should target the causative microorganisms. If the tracheobronchitis is caused by a virus, it usually resolves on its own, so no specific medication is needed. If it is bacterial, appropriate antibiotics should be used. For mycoplasma infections, antibiotics targeting mycoplasma are required.

How long does it usually take to cure acute tracheobronchitis?

If caused by a virus, the ideal recovery time is about one week. If caused by bacteria or secondary bacterial infection after a virus, the antibiotic course depends on the pathogen, with most cases requiring 7–10 days.

What should be monitored during home treatment for acute tracheobronchitis?

• Symptom changes: whether fever subsides, cough and phlegm improve, and wheezing is controlled.
• Drug reactions: whether adverse effects or allergic reactions occur.

Do I need frequent follow-ups during treatment for acute tracheobronchitis?

Generally, frequent follow-ups are unnecessary. However, if symptoms worsen, recur, or persist, a follow-up is needed to reassess the condition and adjust medications.

When should I schedule a follow-up for acute tracheobronchitis?

A follow-up is needed if symptoms worsen, such as increased cough and phlegm, wheezing, labored breathing, or recurrent fever. If severe wheezing, rapid breathing, chest tightness, chest pain, or pale/bluish skin occurs, seek emergency care immediately.

Can acute tracheobronchitis recur after recovery?

With proper treatment and rest, the patient will recover fully, and the condition will not recur. However, if immunity is weak and re-exposure to pathogens occurs, acute tracheobronchitis may develop again.

DIET & LIFESTYLE

What should patients with acute tracheobronchitis pay attention to in their diet?

They can eat light, easily digestible, and nutritious foods, such as steamed egg custard. Additionally, it's important to drink plenty of water and avoid spicy or other irritating foods.

What should patients with acute tracheobronchitis pay attention to in daily life?

• Get proper rest and avoid excessive fatigue.

• Adjust clothing according to temperature changes to avoid catching a cold.

• Ventilate the room regularly to keep indoor air fresh.

PREVENTION

How to Prevent Acute Tracheobronchitis?

• Pay attention to exercise and enhance physical fitness to improve resistance.
• Maintain ventilation to reduce the concentration of pathogens in the air.
• Wash hands frequently, especially after returning from crowded public places, after using the toilet, and before eating. Rinsing with running water can remove about 80% of bacteria on the hands. If combined with thorough handwashing using soap, approximately 95% of bacteria can be eliminated.