Ispa: causes, symptoms, and treatment

Definition

What is ARI?

Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are a group of infections that attack the respiratory tract.

This respiratory tract infection refers to a condition that suddenly appears and can get worse quickly.

Usually, ARDs go away on their own, without any treatment.

ARI is divided into two, namely upper respiratory tract infections (Upper Respiratory Tract Infection/ URTI) and lower respiratory tract infections (Lower Respiratory Tract Infection /LRTI).

The respiratory tract starts from the nostrils to the vocal cords in the larynx, including the paranasal sinuses and the middle ear.

Meanwhile, the lower respiratory tract is a continuation of the upper airways, starting from the trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, to the alveoli.

How common is this condition?

ARI is a condition that can affect anyone at any age and is common.

This condition also tends to be more common in people with weak immune systems.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of ARI?

Some of the common symptoms caused by ARI are:

• Cough that may contain phlegm
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Muscle ache
• Hard to breathe
• Wheezing
• Fever
• Not feeling well

When should you see a doctor?

You should see a doctor immediately if you experience symptoms, such as:

• High fever
• Coughing continuously and begins to lose the sense of smell or taste
• If you experience other symptoms that worry you

Cause

What causes ARI?

Quoted from a book published by Oxford University Press, here are the various causes of acute respiratory infections (ARI):

1. Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI)

Acute upper respiratory tract infection is the most common cause.

Conditions included in upper respiratory tract infections are flu, colds, sinusitis, ear infections, acute pharyngitis, and laryngitis.

Most acute upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses, namely:

• Rhinovirus
• Respiratory syncytial virus or RSV
• Parainfluenza and influenza viruses
• Human metapneumovirus
• Adenovirus
• Coronavirus
• Influenza virus

2.Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI)

Pneumonia and bronchiolitis are the two most common types of acute lower respiratory tract infections.

The most common causes of this condition are respiratory syncytial virus or RSV.

Meanwhile, another cause that is also often found in acute lower respiratory tract infections is parainfluenza.

Although more often caused by viruses, lower ARI can also be caused by bacteria, such as:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus)
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Staphylococcus aureus or other streptococci

Risk factors

What factors increase my risk for ARDs?

Some of the factors below can increase your risk of getting an ARI, namely:

• Infants from 6 months of age or children under 1 year of age
• Children who were born prematurely or who have a history of diseases, such as congenital heart or lung disease
• People with weak immune systems
• People with weakened immune systems, including people with certain organ transplants

Diagnosis and Treatment

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

How to diagnose this condition?

Your doctor will do a physical exam to suspect the virus is in your body.

In this examination, the doctor may listen to the lungs through a stethoscope to check for wheezing or other abnormal sounds.

Laboratory and imaging tests are usually unnecessary.

Even so, the doctor may perform the following tests:

• Blood tests to check the white cell count or to look for other germs
• Chest x-ray to check for inflammation of the lungs
• Sputum test to check for signs of the virus
• Pulse oximetry is sometimes needed to detect lower than normal oxygen levels in the blood

How to treat ARI?

There is no specific way used to treat ARI because this disease generally heals on its own.

Hospitalization of ARDs may be needed if severe symptoms occur.

Your doctor may prescribe the following drugs for ARDs:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) to reduce fever
• Nasal spray to clear nasal congestion
• Antibiotics if there are bacterial complications, such as bacterial pneumonia

If the ARD is caused by pneumonia, the doctor may prescribe the following drugs:

• Cotrimoxazole or amoxicillin for pneumonia
• Intramuscular penicillin or chloramphenicol for severe pneumonia

If you are hospitalized, you may receive the following treatments:

• Intravenous (IV) fluids
• Respiratory apparatus

Home and lifestyle remedies

What home remedies and lifestyle changes can be done to treat ARDs?

An acute respiratory infection (ARI) is a condition that can heal with self-care at home.

Here are simple steps or lifestyle changes that can be done to treat ARI:

• Keep the air moist. Create warm, but not too hot, air where you live. Also make sure to always keep the air clean to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
• Drink lots of water. You need to drink plenty of water to recover from bothersome symptoms. Warm liquids, such as chicken soup, can also be an option for loosening the airways.
• Avoid cigarette smoke. Not only active, passive smoking can also worsen the symptoms of ARI.
• Washing hands. Get in the habit of washing your hands properly to avoid spreading it from one person to another.
• Do not share eating and drinking utensils. Use your own equipment, especially if a family member is sick.
• Reduce contact with other people. Reduce your contact with other people who are sick, babies, or premature babies.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.