Symptoms of tracheobronchitis arise due to inflammation of the bronchi and trachea leading to accumulation of mucus and narrowing of these channels in the lungs. Symptoms of tracheobronchitis include:
- Dry cough at first, evolving to cough with thick yellow or greenish phlegm;
- Feeling of shortness of breath;
- Pain in the chest when coughing;
- Hoarseness;
- Sore throat;
- Low fever;
- Headaches;
- Tiredness.
Tracheobronchitis can occur due to a viral or bacterial infection and can be transmitted from person to person by inhaling saliva droplets, coughing or sneezing from the contaminated individual.
The diagnosis of tracheobronchitis is made by evaluating the symptoms presented by the patient and through examinations such as chest X-rays or blood tests or sputum.
Treatment of tracheobronchitis
The treatment of tracheobronchitis consists of the use of bronchodilator and mucolytic drugs to relieve cough and accumulated mucus. When caused by bacteria, the treatment of tracheobronchitis should be added an antibiotic to eliminate more quickly the microorganisms causing the infection.