How Long Does Recovery From Tracheitis Take?

Posted on Mon, 7 Mar 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 7 Mar 2016 Answered on

Mon, 16 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been told by my GP that I have Tracheitis and it is caused by a virus and all I can do is let nature take it's course, drink fluids, rest and take paracetamol. I have been following this advice for four days so far and feel worse. Please could you tell me how long can I roughly expect this to last and is there anything else I can do to ease the symptoms and help speed up my recovery?

Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Check for bacterial infection, add an antibiotic and wacth keenly

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

I agree with your doctor' s treatment plan for viral tracheitis. However, with persistence of these symptoms beyond the fourth day, I think it is worth considering that a complication must have set in. The commonest of these is a bacterial infection. Viral infections generally predispose terrains where bacteria could easily grow.

I think adding an antibiotic like Amoxicillin - Clavulinic Acid to the therapy you are using should be worth trying. In case you got the possibility to see your doctor for a review and examination, it would be the ideal.

In case treatment fails even on antibiotherapy, hospitalization might be needed. I think you are still far from this and need not worry much.

Thanks and kind regards as i wish you the best of health.

Dr Bain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T