Respiratory or airway infection is an infection that arises in any region of the respiratory tract, reaching from the upper or upper airways, such as nostrils, throat or facial bones, to the lower or lower airways, such as bronchi and lungs.
Generally, this type of infection is caused by microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria or fungi, of different types, causing symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, cough, fever or sore throat, for example. These infections are more common in winter, as it is the period in which there is the greatest circulation of microorganisms, since the temperature becomes lower and there is a greater tendency to stay indoors. Find out what are the most common winter diseases and how to avoid them.
High respiratory infections are the most common and are usually contagious, especially those caused by viruses, which are easily spread in places with crowds of people, such as schools, daycare centers or on the bus, for example. Low infections, which affect the bronchi and lungs, tend to be more severe and affect people at higher risk, such as babies, children, the elderly and people with compromised immunity.
What can cause
There is not only one type of respiratory infection, but several infections that can reach the respiratory tract, some milder and others more serious. Some of the examples of the most common causes of respiratory infections include:
- Common cold or flu: it is an infection caused by viruses, causing cough, runny nose, sneezing and nasal obstruction. In influenza, there is infection by the influenza-like viruses, which cause more intense symptoms, such as body pain and fever. Better understand the differences between flu and cold, and what to do to alleviate; Sinusitis: infection caused in the bones of the face, which can cause headache, pain in the face, nasal discharge, cough and fever, caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi; Pharyngitis: there is infection of the throat region, causing local inflammation, in addition to runny nose and cough, most often caused by viruses; Tonsillitis: pharyngitis can be accompanied by infections of the tonsils, causing intense inflammation, being more intense when there is infection by bacteria, which can produce pus in the region; Bronchitis: it is the inflammation of the bronchi, already being considered a low respiratory infection, since it already reaches the lungs. It causes coughing and shortness of breath, and can have both allergic and infectious causes due to viruses or bacteria. Understand better what is bronchitis and the main types; Pneumonia: infection of the lungs and pulmonary alveoli, which can cause the production of intense secretion, cough, shortness of breath and fever. It is usually caused by bacteria, and can also be caused by viruses or fungi; Tuberculosis: is a type of infection of the lungs caused by the bacterium Koch bacillus, which causes a chronic, gradual inflammation, with cough, fever, weight loss and weakness, which can become serious if the treatment is not done soon. Know how to identify the symptoms of tuberculosis and how to treat it.
These infections can be classified as acute, when they appear suddenly and worsen rapidly, or as chronic, when they have a long duration, of slow evolution and of difficult treatment, which usually happens in certain cases of sinusitis, bronchitis or tuberculosis, for example.
How to confirm
In order to diagnose respiratory infection, it is usually only necessary to have an evaluation by the doctor, who will identify the symptoms and perform a physical evaluation, such as auscultation of the lungs and observation of the pharynx, for example.
In cases of suspicion of more serious infections, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis, or when there is doubt about the cause, tests such as chest X-ray, blood count or sputum test may be necessary to identify the microorganism that generated the infection. and thus decide on the most suitable treatment.
Main symptoms
The most common symptoms of respiratory infection are:
- Runny nose; Cough, which may contain secretion or not; Obstruction of the nostrils by secretion; Malaise; Fever; Chest pain; Headache; There may be ear pain; There may be conjunctivitis.
Shortness of breath can arise in some cases, however this is a sign of indicating that the condition can be severe, requiring an assessment as soon as possible by the doctor to identify the causes and indicate the best form of treatment.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of respiratory infection depends on its cause and the severity of the infection. Thus, rest is generally indicated, use of analgesics and antipyretics, such as Dipyrone or Paracetamol, and plenty of hydration throughout the day.
Antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin or Azithromycin, for example, are only indicated in cases of suspected bacterial infection, which is more common in situations of high fever, when the infection persists for more than 7-10 days or when there is pneumonia.
Antifungals can also be used, also only when there is a suspicion that the cause of infection is by fungi.
In addition, people admitted to the hospital may need respiratory physiotherapy to remove pulmonary secretions and thus relieve the discomfort that the disease causes.
How to avoid
To avoid respiratory infections, it is recommended to avoid crowded places, contact with infected people and always wash your hands and avoid placing objects in your nose or mouth, as they are the main forms of contagion.
It is also recommended to keep the immune system balanced, which is facilitated with a balanced diet, rich in vegetables, grains and antioxidants, such as vitamin C, present in fruits. In addition, avoiding very humid environments, with excessive dust, molds and mites is recommended to avoid allergies, which can be accompanied by an infection.
Check out some attitudes that help prevent respiratory diseases.
