Respiratory infections are a common health problem that can affect anyone, at any age. These infections can range from mild such as common cold to more severe diseases like pneumonia.
In this blog, we are going to learn about respiratory tract infections, their common causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
What are Respiratory Infections?
These are infections of the respiratory system, which include parts of the body that are involved in breathing, such as sinuses, nose, throat, airways, and lungs. These infections can affect different parts of the respiratory tract;
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections:
Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) affect the nose, throat, and sinuses. These include;
- Common cold
- Sinusitis (sinus infection)
- Tonsillitis
- Epiglottitis
- Pharyngitis (sore throat)
- Laryngitis
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections:
Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) affect lungs and airways. LRTIs typically last longer and can be more severe. These include;
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Bronchiolitis
- Tuberculosis
Flu or COVID-19 can both be upper or lower respiratory tract infections.
Causes:
Respiratory tract infection (RTIs) can be caused by different infectious agents. The most common ones include;
1. Viruses:
Viruses are responsible for most respiratory infections. For example;
- Common Cold, it is caused by rhinoviruses leading to symptoms like sore throat, congestion, and runny nose.
- Influenza (Flu), it is caused by influenza viruses causing symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue.
- COVID-19, it is caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, and can cause symptoms like fever, difficulty breathing, loss of taste and smell.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), it often causes bronchiolitis and pneumonia and is particularly dangerous for infants, elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
2. Bacteria:
Bacterial respiratory infections can be more serious and may require antibiotics. Common bacterial RTIs include;
- Strep Throat, it is caused by Streptococcus bacteria and affects the throat and tonsils.
- Pneumonia, bacterial pneumonia can be often caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
- Tuberculosis, it is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
3. Fungi:
- Fungal diseases like histoplasmosis and aspergillosis can affect the lungs.
4. Environmental Factors:
- Exposure to air pollutants, chemicals, and allergens can also contribute to respiratory infections.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of respiratory tract infection can vary depending upon the type of infection and its severity. However, most respiratory tract infections share some common symptoms, such as;
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Cough (with or without sputum)
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Wheezing
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
Treatment of RTIs:
- Treatment of RTI depends on its cause. However, there are some general measures you can take to treat your symptoms at home, like;
- Making sure to take ample rest and maintaining a good hydration by taking plenty of fluids. This can help in all types of RTIs.
- You can take hot lemon and honey drinks. These are effective natural remedies to soothe your cough. (However, they are not suitable for children less than 1 year of age).
- If your throat is sore, gargling with warm salt water can also help relieve your discomfort.
- Use extra pillows to elevate your head while sleeping, this will make breathing easier and help drain mucus from your chest.
- You can take over the counter (OTC) pain relievers to reduce fever, headaches, or muscle aches.
- If your respiratory tract infection is caused by a virus, it will most likely clear up on its own and would not require antibiotics. In some cases antiviral medicines may be required.
- If the infection is caused by bacteria, your healthcare provider may prescribe you antibiotics.
- If the cause is fungal then antifungal medicines may be prescribed by your doctor.
How Respiratory Infections Spread:
RTIs are contagious and can spread through many pathways, including;
- Airborne Transmission, for example from cough and sneeze.
- Direct Contact, for example touching contaminated surfaces like doorknobs and phones and then touching your face.
- Close Contact, for example physical interaction like shaking hands and hugging.
People at High Risk for Getting RTIs:
- Older adults often have weakened immune systems and are more likely to have existing health conditions. This makes them more vulnerable to respiratory infections.
- Young children have smaller airways and developing immune systems, which can increase their risk of getting respiratory tract infections.
- People with weakened immune systems have reduced ability to fight off the infections. They may also not develop strong and lasting protection from vaccines or previous infections.
- Pregnant or recently pregnant women have changes in their immune, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. This increases their chance of getting ill from respiratory infections.
How to Prevent Respiratory Tract Infections:
Here are some tips for the prevention of respiratory diseases;
- Stay up to date on your flu, COVID-19 and other recommended respiratory vaccinations.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing to prevent spread of infections.
- If possible, avoid close contact with people showing symptoms of respiratory tract infections.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue while coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of droplets.
- Wear a mask in cold and flu season or when in crowded places.
- Boost your immune system by eating a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep, and exercising regularly.
- Avoid smoking and limit your exposure to pollutants and irritants.
Learn more about smoking and respiratory problems.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
As per the NHS, you should consult your GP if you have respiratory tract infection and;
- Having a high temperature for more than 3 days
- Having a cough for more than 3 weeks
- Coughing up blood or blood stained mucus
- Feeling very unwell or your symptoms are getting worse
- Pregnant
- More than 65 years old
- Have a weakened immune system (e.g. if you have diabetes, or having chemotherapy)
- Have a long term health condition like heart, lung, or kidney disease
Final thoughts:
Respiratory tract infections are common yet a serious health issue that affects millions of people every year. While most of them are mild and self-limiting, some can lead to serious complications. Understanding their causes, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention methods, can help you manage these infections effectively.
Stay informed, stay healthy, and take precautions to protect your respiratory health!
