What is tracheitis, is it contagious or not? Today's article will be devoted to these issues.
General information
Tracheitis is called inflammatory processes 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 are most often various bacteria and viruses. Also, tracheitis (whether it is contagious or not, we will find out a little later) can result from inhalation of dry, very polluted or cold air.
Symptoms of disease
This pathological condition can cause a dry, and rarely wet cough, which is extremely painful and most intense during a night's sleep. Acute tracheitis is often accompanied by other respiratory diseases. These include laryngitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis, and even inflammation of the bronchi.
Tracheitis: contagious or not?
This question very often arises among those who have such a disease, as well as those who surround the patient in this difficult period for him. It is worth noting that it is possible to think about whether tracheitis is contagious only if the cause of the disease is a virus.
Like other infections,this 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 left untreated?
Respiratory and adenoviruses can first affect the mucous membrane of the larynx, where laryngitis will develop later. If the disease is not properly treated on time, then the infection will gradually affect the lining of the trachea, resulting in a strong and suffocating cough. A patient diagnosed with tracheitis is contagious, and he can easily transmit the virus to his loved ones or colleagues, even just by being nearby.
Young children and schoolchildren, whose immune systems are not strong enough to fight a severe virus, are especially susceptible to infection.
Thus, asking your doctor the question of whether tracheitis is contagious or not, you may well hear an affirmative answer. Indeed, today there are many types of the virus that cause the recurrence of this disease.
How long does the illness last?
As a rule, such a disease is quite "resistant" to 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 also affected by the state of human immunity. In addition, the sooner therapy begins, the sooner the patient will recover.
Prognosis of tracheitis occurring inacute form, more favorable. So, the disease of the trachea with timely and proper treatment goes away in about two weeks. But this is provided that the disease is not complicated by any problems with the bronchi. How long chronic tracheitis lasts is much more difficult to predict. However, complex and effectively selected therapy can heal the patient within a month after the start of treatment.
