What causes an itchy trachea?

Tracheal itching is usually caused by two main factors: physiological and pathological. Common conditions include allergic tracheitis, acute bronchitis, and others. A detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Physiological Factors

If an individual consumes cold beverages, experiences emotional excitement, or speaks loudly, it may increase the sensitivity of sympathetic nerves in the upper respiratory tract, leading to transient physiological reactions such as tracheal itching, prickling pain, or loss of voice.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Allergic Tracheitis

In individuals with allergic predisposition, exposure to specific allergens such as pollen, cotton fibers, or house dust mites can trigger a non-specific immune response in the trachea. This leads to hyperactive immune responses in local blood vessels, glands, and nerves, resulting in symptoms such as chest itching, hoarseness, and coughing.

2. Acute Bronchitis

After infection of the upper respiratory tract tissues by harmful microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses, repeated irritation of capillaries, lymph nodes, and nerves in the area may occur, inducing symptoms including airway itching, coughing, and sputum production.

Other conditions such as tracheal cysts may also cause similar symptoms. It is recommended that individuals seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital for comprehensive examination to accurately identify and diagnose the underlying cause.