Tracheitis refers to the inflammation of the tracheal mucosa, usually caused by microbial infections, physical and chemical irritants, allergies, and other factors. Symptoms of tracheitis typically start acutely. Patients may experience fever, initially perhaps dry coughing or a small amount of mucous sputum. As the condition progresses, the amount of sputum may increase, coughing may intensify, and some patients may also experience blood in the sputum, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.