Tracheitis: is it contagious or not?

What is tracheitis, is it contagious or not? Today's article will be devoted to these issues.

General information

Tracheitis is the inflammatory process in the mucous membrane of an organ such as the trachea. This disease can occur in both chronic and acute forms. The causes of this deviation most often become different bacteria and viruses. Also tracheitis (infectious or not, we will learn a little later) may result from the inhalation of dry, very polluted or cold air.

Symptoms of the disease

Such a pathological condition can cause the patient to dry, and rarely wet cough, which is extremely painful and most intense during a night's sleep. Acute tracheitis is often accompanied by other diseases of the respiratory system. These include laryngitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis and even inflammation of the bronchi.

Tracheitis: is it contagious or not?

This question very often arises in those who have such a disease, as well as those who surround the patient during this difficult period for him. It is worth mentioning that it is possible to think about whether the trachea is contagious, only if the cause of the disease is the virus.

Like other infections, such a disease is transmitted from one person to another by airborne droplets. In addition, acute tracheitis is contagious for those who use the same household items as the patient (for example, a towel, dishes, etc.).

What happens if I do not heal?

Respiratory and adenoviruses can initially affect the laryngeal mucosa, where later laryngitis will develop. If the disease is not properly treated on time, then the infection will gradually hit the sheath of the trachea, resulting in a strong and suffocating cough in the person. A patient who has a tracheitis diagnosed is contagious, and he can easily transmit the virus to his close people or colleagues, even just being nearby.

Especially high susceptibility to infection has young children and schoolchildren, whose immune system is not so strong to fight a serious virus.

Thus, after asking your doctor about whether the trachea is infectious or not, you may well hear an affirmative answer. After all, today there are many types of virus, which cause relapse of the disease.

How long does the disease last?

As a rule, such a disease quite strongly "resists" treatment. The period of recovery of the patient and the period of the disease depends on the form of the inflammatory process (acute or chronic). It is also worth noting that the duration of this pathology is affected by the state of human immunity. In addition, the sooner therapy begins, the faster the patient will recover.

The prognosis of tracheitis occurring in acute form is more favorable. So, the disease of the trachea with timely and proper treatment is about two weeks later. But this is provided, if the disease is not complicated by any problems with the bronchi. How long does a chronic tracheitis last? To predict is much more difficult. However, a comprehensive and effectively selected therapy can heal a patient within a month of starting treatment.