Tracheitis is the inflammation of the windpipe (trachea). Most cases of tracheitis are due to a bacterial infection, however, a number of other factors, both infectious and non-infectious, may also cause inflammation of the trachea. Usually these other factors do not affect the trachea in isolation but may also involve other structures higher up and lower down the respiratory tract.

continue reading What is Tracheitis? Causes and Symptoms of a Trachea Infection

The bronchi (singular ~ bronchus) are the two branches (left and right) at the bottom of the trachea that lead into the lungs. These main bronchi then divide into lobar and segmental bronchi. Together the trachea and the main left and right bronchi, along with all its subdivisions, are  referred to as a the tracheobronchial tree.

The main bronchi are tube like structures that allow for the passage of air between the trachea and lung. It enters the hilum of the lung and divides into a number of branches and further subdividions. It eventually terminates in the bronchioles which lead into the alveolar sacs of the lung.

Trachea –> Main Bronchi –> Lobar Bronchi –> Segmental Bronchi –> Conducting Bronchiole –> Terminal Bronchiole –> Respiratory Bronchiole

continue reading What are the Bronchi? Left, Right Main Bronchus, Bronchioles

The trachea is the part of the respiratory tract that leads from the larynx and ends lower down in the thoracic cavity where it divides into the two main bronchi (left and right).

Location of the Trachea

The trachea starts where the larynx ends – at the level of the C6 vertebra – and run down the middle of the neck anterior to the esophagus. Tracheal deviation, where the trachea shifts from this middle position (media plan) indicates some disease of the respiratory system or thoracic cavity. The trachea ends around the level of the T4 to T5 vertebrae. The point where it terminates also correlates with the sternal angle – the junction of the manubrium and body of the sternum (breastbone).

continue reading What is the Trachea? Human Wind Pipe Location, Position, Function

What is laryngitis?

Laryngitis is the medical term for inflammation of the larynx (voice box). This is the part of the respiratory tract that connects the pharynx (throat) to the trachea (wind pipe) and contains the vocal apparatus to produce sound. The most common causes of laryngitis are an infection and trauma (chemical and mechanical injury including vocal strain).

Most cases of laryngitis are acute, meaning that it last for a short period of time, anywhere from a few days (usually 7 to 10 days) to 2 to 3 weeks. Chronic laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx that lasts for more than 3 weeks and may sometimes be due to serious and even life threatening illnesses.

continue reading Laryngitis (Acute, Contagious and Chronic)