Respiratory tract infection: Difference between revisions

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

mNo edit summary
 
CSV import
 
Line 1: Line 1:
= Respiratory Tract Infection =
{{Short description|Infections of the respiratory tract}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name = Respiratory tract infection
| image = Illu conducting passages.svg
| caption = Diagram of the human respiratory system
| field = [[Pulmonology]]
| symptoms = Cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever
| complications = Pneumonia, bronchitis
| duration = Varies
| causes = Viral, bacterial, fungal
| risks = Smoking, air pollution, weakened immune system
| prevention = Vaccination, hand hygiene
| treatment = Rest, fluids, medications
}}


== Introduction ==
A '''respiratory tract infection''' (RTI) is an infection of the [[respiratory tract]], which is divided into the upper and lower respiratory tracts. These infections are among the most common reasons for doctor visits and can range from mild to severe.
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are infections that affect the parts of the body involved in breathing, such as the sinuses, throat, airways, or lungs. These infections can be broadly classified into upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs).


[[File:Respiratory_system_complete_en.svg|thumb|Diagram of the human respiratory system.]]
==Classification==
Respiratory tract infections are classified into two main types:


== Types of Respiratory Tract Infections ==
* '''Upper respiratory tract infections''' (URTIs) affect the nose, sinuses, pharynx, or larynx. Common URTIs include the [[common cold]], [[sinusitis]], [[pharyngitis]], and [[laryngitis]].


<youtube>
* '''Lower respiratory tract infections''' (LRTIs) affect the airways and lungs. Common LRTIs include [[bronchitis]], [[pneumonia]], and [[tuberculosis]].
title='''{{PAGENAME}}'''  
movie_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/UqickoY5lYw
&rel=1
embed_source_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/UqickoY5lYw
&rel=1
wrap = yes
width=750
height=600
</youtube>


=== Upper Respiratory Tract Infections ===
==Causes==
* '''Common Cold''': Caused by various viruses like rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and more.
Respiratory tract infections can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including:
* '''Sinusitis''': Inflammation of the sinuses, often due to a viral or bacterial infection.
* '''Pharyngitis''': Inflammation of the pharynx, commonly known as a sore throat.
* '''Laryngitis''': Inflammation of the larynx, often causing hoarseness or loss of voice.


=== Lower Respiratory Tract Infections ===
* '''Viruses''': The most common cause of RTIs, including rhinoviruses, influenza viruses, and coronaviruses.
* '''Bronchitis''': Inflammation of the bronchi, typically caused by viruses or bacteria.
* '''Bacteria''': Such as [[Streptococcus pneumoniae]], [[Haemophilus influenzae]], and [[Mycoplasma pneumoniae]].
* '''Pneumonia''': Infection of the lungs, which can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
* '''Fungi''': Less common, but can include species like [[Aspergillus]] and [[Histoplasma]].
* '''Tuberculosis''': A serious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.


[[File:Streptococcus_pneumoniae.jpg|thumb|Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common cause of pneumonia.]]
==Symptoms==
Symptoms of respiratory tract infections can vary depending on the specific infection but often include:


== Causes and Risk Factors ==
* Cough
Respiratory tract infections are commonly caused by viruses but can also be bacterial or fungal. Factors that increase the risk of RTIs include smoking, weak immune system, chronic lung conditions, and exposure to air pollution.
* Sore throat
* Runny or stuffy nose
* Fever
* Fatigue
* Shortness of breath (more common in LRTIs)


== Symptoms ==
==Diagnosis==
Symptoms of RTIs vary depending on the specific infection but may include coughing, sneezing, sore throat, fever, and difficulty breathing.
Diagnosis of RTIs typically involves a clinical examination and may include:


== Diagnosis ==
* [[Chest X-ray]]
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, medical history, and may include tests such as chest X-rays, sputum tests, or throat swabs.
* [[Sputum culture]]
* [[Blood tests]]
* [[PCR]] tests for viral infections


== Treatment ==
==Treatment==
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection and may include rest, hydration, over-the-counter medications, antibiotics (for bacterial infections), and sometimes hospitalization.
Treatment depends on the cause of the infection:


== Prevention ==
* '''Viral infections''': Often self-limiting; treatment focuses on symptom relief with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications.
Preventive measures include good hygiene practices, vaccinations (like the flu vaccine), avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy immune system.
* '''Bacterial infections''': May require antibiotics.
* '''Fungal infections''': Treated with antifungal medications.


== External Links ==
==Prevention==
* [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/pneumonia World Health Organization: Pneumonia]
Preventive measures include:
* [https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccinations.htm CDC: Flu Vaccination Information]


== References ==
* Vaccination (e.g., influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine)
<references/>
* Good hand hygiene
* Avoiding smoking and exposure to pollutants
 
==Epidemiology==
Respiratory tract infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. According to the [[World Health Organization]], they are responsible for millions of deaths annually, particularly in children under five years of age.
 
[[File:Respiratory infections world map-Deaths per million persons-WHO2012.svg|thumb|Global deaths from respiratory infections per million persons, 2012]]
 
==Also see==
* [[Common cold]]
* [[Influenza]]
* [[Pneumonia]]
* [[Bronchitis]]
* [[Tuberculosis]]
 
{{Infectious diseases}}
{{Respiratory system}}


[[Category:Respiratory diseases]]
[[Category:Respiratory diseases]]
[[Category:Infections]]
[[Category:Infectious diseases]]
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 02:53, 11 December 2024

Infections of the respiratory tract


Respiratory tract infection
Illu conducting passages.svg
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever
Complications Pneumonia, bronchitis
Onset N/A
Duration Varies
Types N/A
Causes Viral, bacterial, fungal
Risks Smoking, air pollution, weakened immune system
Diagnosis N/A
Differential diagnosis N/A
Prevention Vaccination, hand hygiene
Treatment Rest, fluids, medications
Medication N/A
Prognosis N/A
Frequency N/A
Deaths N/A


A respiratory tract infection (RTI) is an infection of the respiratory tract, which is divided into the upper and lower respiratory tracts. These infections are among the most common reasons for doctor visits and can range from mild to severe.

Classification[edit]

Respiratory tract infections are classified into two main types:

Causes[edit]

Respiratory tract infections can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including:

Symptoms[edit]

Symptoms of respiratory tract infections can vary depending on the specific infection but often include:

  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath (more common in LRTIs)

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of RTIs typically involves a clinical examination and may include:

Treatment[edit]

Treatment depends on the cause of the infection:

  • Viral infections: Often self-limiting; treatment focuses on symptom relief with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications.
  • Bacterial infections: May require antibiotics.
  • Fungal infections: Treated with antifungal medications.

Prevention[edit]

Preventive measures include:

  • Vaccination (e.g., influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine)
  • Good hand hygiene
  • Avoiding smoking and exposure to pollutants

Epidemiology[edit]

Respiratory tract infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, they are responsible for millions of deaths annually, particularly in children under five years of age.

Global deaths from respiratory infections per million persons, 2012

Also see[edit]



Infectious diseases
Bacterial
Viral
Fungal
Parasitic
Prion
This infectious diseases related article is a stub.



Anatomy of the lower respiratory tract
Respiratory tree
Lungs
Retrieved from "https://wikimd.com/index.php?title=Respiratory_tract_infection&oldid=6036563"