Tracheitis is a condition that results in a sudden spasmodic cough resulting from the contraction of the thorax with pain in the sternum.
There are several forms of tracheitis with varying degrees of severity.
It is important not to neglect its treatment as it can quickly get worse in some cases.
Contents
- 1 What is the trachea?
- 2 What is tracheitis?
- 3 What are the symptoms of tracheitis?
- 4 What causes bacterial tracheitis?
- 5 The diagnosis of tracheitis
- 6 Tracheitis treatment
- 7 Viral tracheitis
- 8 How to treat allergic tracheitis?
- 9 How to relieve tracheitis?
- 10 Tracheitis natural treatment
- 11 Tracheitis treatment with essential oils
- 12 Homeopathy tracheitis
- 13 How to cure tracheitis quickly?
What is the trachea?
The trachea is an important part of the airways.
When you inhale air through your mouth or nose, it passes through the larynx which contains the vocal cords, and then joins the trachea.
The latter is connected to two tubes, the bronchi, which bring air to the lungs.
The trachea also helps to release carbon dioxide when you exhale air.
What is tracheitis?
Tracheitis is an infection of the trachea.
When caused by bacteria, it is called bacterial tracheitis.
This condition is rare and usually affects young children.
If not treated in time, it can lead to a dark clinical picture.
If your child has bacterial tracheitis, it is most likely that he has first contracted an upper respiratory tract condition such as a cold which is complicated.
What are the symptoms of tracheitis?
The main symptoms of tracheitis are:
– cough
– a runny nose
– a very moderate fever
After two to five days, other symptoms may appear related to the infection and respiratory obstruction.
They are:
– intense fever
– a severe, deep cough
– difficulty breathing
– sneezing
– cyanosis (bluish skin)
– pulmonary rales
These signs indicate a severe infection and partial obstruction of the airways.
If you or your child has these symptoms, you should seek medical attention.
What causes bacterial tracheitis?
Bacterial tracheitis is usually caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus, although other bacteria may be involved as well.
It develops most of the time after a cold or the flu.
As a result of seasonal illness, the bacteria can infect the trachea more easily.
This causes infection, inflammation, and rapid swelling.
In children, even slight swelling can block the airways due to the position and small size of the trachea.
Although this condition can also affect adults, it tends to develop less in this group.
If you have it, your tracheitis may go away on its own before it clogs your airways.
The diagnosis of tracheitis
The doctor performs a physical exam to diagnose tracheitis.
It examines the lungs for respiratory distress.
To diagnose and rule out any other possible cause, your doctor may order additional tests such as:
- a nasopharyngeal culture, the sample of secretions from the patient’s throat is analyzed to determine the involved bacteria
- a tracheal culture, a sample of secretions from the trachea is analyzed
- a blood test to determine the level of oxygen in the blood
- an X-ray to check for inflammation and swelling of the trachea
- an endoscopy allows the doctor to visualize the trachea by inserting a flexible tube fitted with a camera
Tracheitis treatment
The doctor prescribes an antibiotic to eradicate the bacteria causing the condition.
In case of advanced tracheitis, he gives an intravenous injection.
It should then clear the airways very quickly.
Intubation is often considered to restore respiratory function while the patient is over the infectious episode.
The prognosis for tracheitis depends on its severity and how quickly it is treated.
A young child’s windpipe can swell very quickly, causing severe breathing difficulties.
The infection, on the other hand, can also be very dangerous and cause a septic shock.
Also, it is very important not to hang around to treat tracheitis, especially in children.
Taken on time, it is not insurmountable and leaves no after-effects.
Viral tracheitis
In the majority of cases, tracheitis has a viral origin since it results from an infection of the ENT sphere.
Resulting from bronchitis, nasopharyngitis, or pharyngitis, which manifests as a dry cough that can progress to a fatty cough.
This coughing fit is exacerbated by a discharge of secretions in the back throat which produces pain in the back of the breastbone and is particularly evident at night lying down.
Briefly lasting no more than 2 to 3 days, it only generates a mild fever.
Related: Bronchitis natural treatment
How to treat allergic tracheitis?
Irritative or allergic tracheitis is primarily chronic and in reaction to the presence of an allergen such as pollen.
It causes a dry cough that can sometimes be in fits associated with tracheal pain and hoarseness.
It also includes the classic allergy symptoms, runny nose (rhinitis), and eye irritation.
Linked to the allergic reaction, it finds its treatment based on the symptoms caused by the allergen.
How to relieve tracheitis?
Some practical tips can help you reduce the symptoms of tracheitis.
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How to calm a cough at night?
Coughing fits caused by tracheitis tend to be worse during the night.
Consider raising the head of your bed to make breathing easier.
To prevent dry mucous membranes, be sure to humidify the air in your bedroom (especially in winter).
You can place a cup of water near your radiator or equip your bedroom with a silent air humidifier (#ad) to ensure a serene night, without the irritation caused by too dry air.
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How to treat allergies?
If you suffer from irritative tracheitis, the recommendations are the same as for allergy.
To try to escape an allergen like pollen, take a shower in the evening without missing a shampoo.
Indeed, the pollen can lodge in the hair and thus maintain your allergic reaction.
Likewise, wash your clothes more frequently, which can also act as a support for pollen.
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Smoke
Staying away from smoky environments is highly recommended to avoid aggravating the irritation of tracheitis.
Likewise, if you smoke, it is more than recommended to limit your consumption or better yet, to stop it during this period and perhaps for the future.
Tracheitis natural treatment
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Honey
Honey is well known for its antibacterial properties and they are very important in the fight against tracheitis.
It soothes irritation and pain while speeding up healing.
Taking a tablespoon of honey in the morning on an empty stomach allows you to reap all its benefits.
Better yet, the Manuka honey (#ad) known to be the best performing honey against all kinds of infection can really help you.
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Propolis
Propolis is a resinous substance made by bees and used as an anti-infective mortar to sanitize the hive.
Its health benefits are innumerable and in the case of tracheitis, the benefits of its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties are not to be proven.
Use a propolis extract (#ad) at the rate of two drops diluted in honey or sugar, you will notice a rapid improvement in your symptoms.
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Thyme
Thyme has anti-cough and cleansing properties.
It is ideal for combating respiratory and ENT conditions such as laryngitis, angina, pharyngitis, bronchitis, and of course tracheitis.
You can consume two to three infusions of thyme per day to benefit from its virtues.
If the herbal tea does not tempt you or if you do not like its taste, it is still recommended to opt for a thyme extract (#ad).
You will quickly find breathing comfort thanks to its antiseptic action.
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Echinacea
Native Americans used echinacea to relieve respiratory tract infections.
Indeed, this plant supports the immune system.
In addition, very active in the fight against cold symptoms, it is particularly effective in treating sore throat, runny nose, and headache.
Endowed with powerful anti-inflammatory properties, Echinacea is truly a staple in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections.
Opt for echinacea tincture (#ad), it will help you overcome the condition faster.
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Vitamin C
Of course, we no longer present vitamin C, which guarantees a strong immune system.
As with any infection, it is wise to supplement yourself to energize the body while in the midst of a battle against bacterial intruders.
Go for a liposomal vitamin C (#ad) for better absorption and doubled efficacy.
Tracheitis treatment with essential oils
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Myrtle essential oil
Well known for its antispasmodic action, the myrtle oil (#ad) – Myrtus communis – is essential to fight tracheitis and its dry cough.
To benefit from all its virtues, you just need to drop a drop in a teaspoon of honey or sugar three times a day after a meal.
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Cypress essential oil
To combat the coughing fits that intensify at night, it is recommended to opt for the cypress essential oil (#ad) – Cupressus sempervirens.
The essence of cypress is a reference in effective cough suppressants but also has contraindications to respect.
Thus, it should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women and children and is contraindicated in cases of hormone-dependent cancer.
If you want to use it, consider a drop diluted in a teaspoon of honey or on sugar twice a day without exceeding 5 days of treatment.
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Ravintsara essential oil
This essence is also a benchmark in the management of respiratory infections.
As effective as eucalyptus, it soothes irritation while providing you with its antiviral properties.
Dilute a few drops of ravintsara essential oil (#ad) in vegetable oil and massage the thorax and throat.
Homeopathy tracheitis
Homeopathy treats all aspects of tracheitis:
– throat irritation is relieved by Pulsatilla vulgaris 6C (#ad) at the rate of three granules three times a day
– the cough is relieved by taking Rumex Crispus 6C (#ad) at the rate of 3 granules 6 times a day
– tracheitis pain is tempered by Causticum 6C (#ad) at the rate of 5 granules 4 times a day
How to cure tracheitis quickly?
Keep in mind that childhood tracheitis is dangerous and requires prompt treatment.
When it comes to viral or allergic tracheitis affecting adults, it can be countered by using natural remedies.
Repel infection by stimulating the immune system, choose soothing plants to moderate the cough and soften the throat, treat the infection by combining natural solutions.
Essential oils and homeopathy can also be combined for a faster result.
There are effective alternatives to treat tracheitis.
