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Tracheitis, inflammation and infection of the trachea (windpipe) in the respiratory system. The trachea functions to conduct air to the lungs for respiration, and it also conditions the air by removing particles of dust, soot, and bacteria. The organ is lined with a moist mucous membrane and externally supported by rings of cartilage. The upper part of the trachea is connected to the larynx (voice box), while the lower segment divides to form the two primary bronchi, which enter into the lungs. Most conditions that affect the trachea are bacterial or viral infections, although irritants like chlorine gas, sulfur dioxide, and dense smoke can injure the lining of the trachea and increase the likelihood of infections. Acute infections occur suddenly and usually leave the body after a short course of time. Common bacterial causes of acute infections are pneumococci, streptococci, Neisseria organisms, and staphylococci. The infections produce fever, fatigue, and swelling of the mucous membrane. Infection may last for a week or two and then pass; they generally do no great damage to the tissue unless they become chronic. Chronic infections recur over a number of years and cause progressive degeneration of tissue. Irritants like heavy smoking and alcoholism may invite infections. The walls of the trachea during chronic infection contain an excess of white blood cells; the blood vessels increase in number; and there is thickening of the walls because of an increase in elastic and muscle fibres.
The mucous glands may become swollen; small polyplike formations occasionally grow; and degenerated tissue is eventually replaced by a fibrous scar tissue.
Some of the specific diseases afflicting the trachea are diphtheria, typhoid, smallpox, tuberculosis, and syphilis Diphtheria usually involves the upper mouth and throat, but the trachea may also be attacked. A false membrane composed of white blood cells and fibrin (clotting protein) coat the surface of the trachea. Typhoid causes swelling and ulceration in the lymph tissue. It can occasionally ulcerate the cartilage of the trachea and destroy tissue. In smallpox, pustules and ulcers, like those on the external skin, form in the mucous membrane. Intense blood congestion, hemorrhages, and degeneration of the tracheal tissue can occur. Tuberculosis causes nodules and ulcers which start on the membrane and progress through the tissue to the cartilage. The cartilage deteriorates and sometimes breaks apart causing severe pain and swelling. Syphilis forms lesions that erode the tissue, and can cause thickening and stiffening of the spaces between the cartilage.
