Respiratory tract infections: causes, symptoms and treatment

Definition

What are respiratory infections?

Respiratory infections are a number of infectious diseases of the respiratory tract. This infection is divided into two types, namely:

• Upper respiratory tract infection (upper respiratory tract infections /URTI), namely infections that attack the upper respiratory tract, such as the nose and nasal passages, the paranasal sinuses, the pharynx, and the part of the larynx above the vocal cords.
• Lower respiratory tract infection (lower respiratory tract infections / LRTI), namely an infection that attacks the lower respiratory tract, such as the vocal cords, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and lungs.

Lower respiratory tract infections are generally more serious than upper respiratory tract infections. LRTI is the leading cause of death among all infectious diseases.

The two most common infections in the lower airway are bronchitis and pneumonia. Meanwhile, influenza attacks the upper or lower respiratory tract.

However, the more dangerous strains of influenza viruses, such as the highly destructive H5N1 (swine flu), are likely to have a fatal impact on the lungs.

How common is this condition?

Women are more likely to develop upper respiratory tract infections, especially sinusitis and tonsillitis. Conversely, men often get otitis media, croup, and lower respiratory tract infections.

This condition can be overcome by reducing your risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of a respiratory tract infection?

Symptoms of this infection can be distinguished based on the location of the infection. Here's the explanation:

Symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection

These infections include rhinitis, strep throat, and inflammation of the tonsils. Quoted from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection are:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Cold
• Nasal congestion
• Headache
• Mild fever
• Sneezing
• Unwell
• Muscle ache

The above symptoms usually appear one to three days after infection. This condition can last for 7-10 days. Upper respiratory infections usually last up to 3 weeks.

Symptoms of a lower respiratory tract infection

In infections that are classified as less serious, the symptoms are mild and can be similar to the common cold, such as a runny nose, dry cough, sore throat, fever or mild headache.

However, mild infections can progress severely and lead to pneumonia, bronchitis, or other, more serious infections.

The more serious symptoms of a lower respiratory infection include:

• Fever
• Bad cough
• Difficulty breathing
• The skin turns blue as a sign of lack of oxygen
• Chest pain or tightness

When to go to the doctor

Contact your doctor if:

• Symptoms indicate you may have pneumonia — for example, if you cough up bloody sputum
• You previously had heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease
• You have a long-term illness, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• You have a condition that affects the nervous system, for example multiple sclerosis
• You have cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis
• Weakened immune system
• Cough lasts more than three weeks, weight loss, shortness of breath or if there is a lump in the neck

You are also advised to see a general practitioner if you are over 65 years of age and you have a cough and have two or more of the above factors, or you are over 80 years of age and cough and have one of the following factors:

• Had been hospitalized a year before
• Have type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• Have a history of heart failure
• Are taking a type of steroid medicine called an oral glucocorticoid — for example, prednisolone

Cause

What causes respiratory infections?

Quoted from Harvard Health Publishing, the following are the causes of respiratory tract infections by type:

Cough, common cold (common cold)

There are more than 200 types of viruses that cause colds. Respiratory tract infections can be spread in several ways. Generally, viruses are transmitted through droplet that comes out when sneezing, coughing, and talking.

Infection can also be spread through indirect contact. For example, if you have the flu and touch your nose or eyes before touching an object or surface, the virus may be transmitted to other people when they touch objects or surfaces.

2. Sinusitis

Your sinuses are like little caves in the bones around your eyes and nose. The sinuses are clad in a lining that produces thin mucus that flows through tiny openings called ostia. If the ostia is blocked, fluid and mucus builds up and gives the bacteria a chance to thrive.

The body then responds to this with sinusitis, which is inflammation and swelling that produces painful pressure and other symptoms. Colds are the most common cause of congested ostia.

3. Pharyngitis

Many viruses that cause colds, including rhinoviruses, also cause pharyngitis or strep throat. There are many bacteria that also cause this condition, but streptococci are the most common type. Bacteria are spread by droplets, like cold viruses.

4. Bronchitis

Most bronchitis is caused by viral infections that have started spreading to the bronchi.

5. Pneumonia

Streptococcus bacteria is the cause of many diseases, including pneumonia. A minority of other cases are caused by fungi and other types of microorganisms.

All of these infections can be inhaled directly into the lungs. However, most pneumonia starts when bacteria have been in the back of the mouth and pulled down the respiratory tract, down to the lungs.

Risk factors

What factors increase my risk of developing a respiratory tract infection?

It's nearly impossible to avoid viruses and bacteria, but there are factors that make you more at risk of developing respiratory infections.

The following factors can increase your risk of developing this condition:

• Infants from 6 months of age or children under 1 year of age
• Children who are born prematurely or who have a history, such as congenital heart or lung disease
• Children with weakened immune systems
• Babies who are in crowded places
• People in middle age
• Adults with asthma, congestive heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• People with weakened immune systems, including people with certain organ transplants, leukemia, or HIV / AIDS.
• You are surrounded by sick people who are sneezing or coughing without covering their nose and mouth.

Treatment

The information described is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How to diagnose this condition?

Your doctor may diagnose this condition based on the results of a physical examination and the duration of infection. During the exam, the doctor can check for wheezing or other abnormal sounds by a stethoscope. In addition, other steps that doctors take to diagnose this condition are:

• Oximetry to check if the level of oxygen available in the bloodstream is lower than normal
• Blood test to check the white cell count or to look for the presence of viruses, bacteria or other organisms
• Chest X-ray to check for pneumonia
• Respiratory secretion laboratory test from your nose to check for viruses
• Pulmonary function tests has been helpful as a diagnostic tool
• Sputum test to check the type of virus that causes the disease

How to treat respiratory infections?

Treatment of this infection can also be distinguished by type. Here's the explanation:

Upper respiratory tract infection

The goal of treatment for upper respiratory tract infections is to relieve the symptoms that appear. Some of the drugs that can be used include:

• Decongestants and antihistamines: Decongestants and combination antihistamine drugs can reduce cough, nasal congestion, and other symptoms in adults.
• Antiviral drugs: Antiviral drugs can shorten the duration of influenza symptoms, reduce the length of hospital stay, and reduce the risk of complications.

Lower respiratory tract infection

Most lower respiratory infections go away on their own without having to be hospitalized. The doctor may provide treatment options according to the symptoms you feel.

The following drugs may relieve the symptoms caused by this condition:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin can relieve pain and fever
• Acetaminophen can relieve pain and fever
• Bronchodilator inhalers can help relieve wheezing and shortness of breath
• Antibiotics may be needed if the cause of the infection is bacteria. Antibiotics also depend on how severe your disease is

In severe cases, hospitalization may be required. In that case, you may need:

• Intravenous fluids
• Humidified oxygen
• Respiratory apparatus

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat respiratory infections?

The lifestyle and home remedies below may help treat this condition:

• Dropping salt water into the nose is one way to deal with nasal congestion.
• Using a dropper to clear a baby's blocked nose. Dilute mucus with a drop of a salt water solution.
• Wash your hands regularly to prevent flu.
• Do not touch your nose, mouth or eyes with dirty hands. Cover your nose with facial tissue when sneezing or coughing and throw it away. Stay away from people who have the flu.
• Eat a balanced and healthy diet with citrus fruits and other sources of vitamin C.

Antibiotics cannot treat if your disease is caused by a virus. Antibiotics are only given for diseases caused by bacteria.

Call your doctor if you have symptoms of a secondary bacterial infection.