Trachea connects larynx with the bronchi and conducts air to the lungs. The mucus membrane of trachea is lined by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium. The goblet cells in the epithelium secrete mucus which captures inhaled pathogens. The cilia propagate the movement of the mucus towards the larynx and pharynx.  Bronchial associated lymphoid tissue further augments the defensive system by providing humoral and cellular immunity. The tracheal mucosa therefore serves as a protective barrier to all inhaled pathogens.<unk>  means inflammation of the trachea. . As tracheal inflammation occurs the mucosal edema significantly constricts the tracheal lumen. This increases the airflow due to Venturi effect. The decrease in luminal diameter generates negative pressure which increases the propensity for airway collapse. This causes turbulent airflow which can be heard as a stridor.  Tracheal inflammation further reduces the luminal diameter which causes difficulty in breathing.<unk>  is caused by a secondary bacterial inflammation which follows a prodromal viral illness. Viral pathogens include Influenza A and B, Parainfluenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Adenovirus and Herpes Simplex Virus. Viruses enter the body through inhalation and damage the mucosal lining of the trachea. They induce local inflammation which impairs the host defenses making bacterial invasion more likely. Bacterial pathogens include Staphylococcus Aureus, Haemophilus Influenza, Moraxella Catarrhalis, Klebsiella Pneumonia. They infiltrate the epithelial lining causing mucosal edema, mucopurulent exudation and necrosis of the tracheal wall. A systemic inflammatory response develops due to cytokine release, causing septic shock. The exudates adhere to the tracheal wall causing narrowing of the tracheal lumen. The necrotic debris and purulent membranes can slough off into the trachea, causing acute obstruction.
Tracheitis pathophysiology
Tracheitis causes
Bronchitis pathophysiology
Air embolism pathophysiology
Bronchitis causes
Bronchiectasis causes
Pneumomediastinum differential diagnosis
Air embolism causes