Common Respiratory Infections: Types, Causes and Prevention Tips

Sickness due to respiratory infections is well known to plague human society, and millions of infections are recorded annually. These infections affect the upper respiratory tract, which comprises the nose, throat and sinuses, and the lower respiratory tract, which comprises the bronchi and lungs. Knowledge of the types of respiratory infections and the causes and preventive measures of respiratory infections is crucial in promoting respiratory health and preventing complications.

What are respiratory tract infections?

Respiratory infections are contracted when an invader, such as a virus or bacteria, penetrates the respiratory system. They are classified into two categories based on the area they affect:

• Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs): Irritate nostrils and cause conditions called sinus and throat irritation. Some of the manifestations include – colds, sinusitis and pharyngitis.
• Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs): These include bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and other infections that affect the lungs and airways.

These infections range from mild and spontaneous to severe, requiring medical intercessions.

Types of respiratory tract infections

Common cold

• Cause: Viruses like rhinoviruses
• Symptoms: Cold, which includes a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing and mild fever, among others
• Duration: Typically, 7–10 days

Influenza (Flu)

• Cause: Flu viruses (these are A, B and C)
• Symptoms: Headache, malaise, chills, elevated temperature and myalgia
• Complications: In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia

Sinusitis

• Cause: Each inflammation could be due to viral, bacterial or fungal infections.
• Symptoms: Facial pain, blocked nose and full-thickness nasal discharge.
• Chronic Cases: May last more than 12 weeks in case of non-treatment.

Bronchitis

• Cause: Skin disorders due to viral infections or exposure to chemicals
• Symptoms: Residual respiratory rate, sputum production and chest pain
• Acute vs. chronic: Acute bronchitis is a short-term condition, but chronic bronchitis is a long-term or even lifelong disease associated with smoking

Pneumonia

• Cause: Streptococcus pneumonia, viruses or fungi
• Symptoms: High fever, shortness of breath, chest pain and severe cough
• Severity: If not treated, it can be fatal

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Cause: Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Symptoms: Haemoptysis, cough of more than two weeks’ duration, night sweats, an unexplained loss of weight and excessive tiredness
• Transmission: Common through respiratory droplets

Causes of respiratory tract infections

Several factors cause respiratory infections, such as:

• Viruses: Many usual offenders, such as rhinoviruses, coronaviruses and influenza viruses
• Bacteria: Like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae  
• Fungi: Especially those patients with a compromised immune system, such as asthma or patients taking chemotherapy.
• Environmental factors: Air pollution, smoking and exposure to sources of allergens inflame the respiratory system and can thus be expected to attract infections more than clean air.

Other conditions that put one at an increased risk of respiratory infections include a weakened immune system, diseases like diabetes and hygiene issues.

How to prevent respiratory tract infections?

There are few studies about respiratory infections and their controls, and it is for this reason that the measures of prevention have the first level of importance. No country is immunised against the risks of respiratory infections and their spread. Soe tips to prevent the occurrence of such infections include:

• Practice good hygiene
• Get vaccinated
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Keep your environment clean

When to seek medical attention?

While many respiratory infections are mild and self-limiting, seek medical help if you experience:

• Fever of the way of 103 or above and deliberate for over three days
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Persistent cough that increases over some time
• Signs that suggest dehydration, including sore and dry throat, urine output that is below normal
• Identifying the causes early enough profiteers the patient from additional complications and speeds up their healing process.

Conclusion

Infections in the respiratory system are also common, but most of them are preventable and can be treated once they are diagnosed. Practices such as free washing and regular use of soap, vaccination for flu and keeping a healthy lifestyle can assist much in controlling respiratory infections. If these and other similar symptoms continue or aggravate, it is best advised to seek medical attention from a professional immediately. Remain alert and be prepared to lead a healthy life as you breathe!