A respiratory tract infection affects the respiratory system, the part of body responsible for breathing such as the sinuses, throat, airways or lungs. Most RTIs get better without treatment, but sometimes you may need to see a general physician.
There are
two types of respiratory tract infections-
• Upper respiratory tract infections.
• Lower respiratory tract infections.
upper respiratory tract infection(URTI) includes-
These infections affect sinuses and throat.
• Common cold.
• Epiglottitis(inflammation and swelling of epiglottis.)
• Laryngitis.(inflammation of larynx)
• Pharyngitis (sore throat)
• Sinusitis (sinus infection)
lower respiratory tract infection-
A lower respiratory tract infection affects the airways and lungs. In general, lower respiratory tract infections last longer and are more serious.
These infections include-
• Bronchitis (A lung infection that causes coughing and fever.)
• Bronchiolitis(A lung infection that mostly affects young children.)
• Chest infection
• Pneumonia
upper respiratory tract infections-
An upper respiratory tract infection when a virus (or bacteria) enters respiratory system. For example, contact with infected surface like hands and a person who sick .
risk for upper respiratory infections-
These infections are common. Children are at a high risk since they are often with other children who may be carrying a virus and they’re more likely to put their fingers in their eyes, nose and mouth, allowing the germs to spread easily.
People who have heart or lung problems are also at higher risk of getting an upper respiratory infection. Those who have weak immune systems (due to another disease) may get more severe infections.
Upper respiratory tract infections diagnosis-
The infection may diagnosed on a physical examination, sign & symptoms .
If physician is concerned he should go for following
tests-
• Chest X-ray.(CXR)
• Lung CT scan.
• Lung (pulmonary) function test to see how lungs are working.
• Nasal swab.
• Throat swab.
• Sputum test, when you cough up some sputum (phlegm from lungs) for examination.
Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections-
• Cough.
• Fever.
• Hoarse voice.
• Fatigue and lack of energy.
• Red eyes.
• Runny nose.
• Sore throat.
• Swollen lymph nodes (swelling on the sides of your neck).
Note-Upper respiratory tract infections typically last one to two weeks. If your symptoms last longer than two weeks, talk to physician. There may have another condition that is causing the symptoms, such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
Healthy lifestyle-
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Get enough sleep.
Complications-
Severe complications can include respiratory failure when there’s too much carbon dioxide in blood. The infection could also spread to other parts of body, such as brain or heart.
Treatment – conservative treatment.
Ayurvedic review of URTI- respiratory disease can be included in pranavaha srotsha. Pranavaha Srotas means a channel or path through which external air enters into the body to sustain life. Srotas are defined as the passages through which the various Dhatus(tissues)undergoes the process of metabolic transformation.
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