Respiratory tract infection is the most widespread infection these days. The respiratory tract consists of all the organs that are involved in a breathing process. Respiratory tract infection affects lungs, airways, sinuses, and throat. Viruses, bacteria, mycoplasma bacteria, and fungi attack the respiratory system and cause respiratory problems. It is the communicable infection as bacteria or viruses can easily enter the tract when people inhale or getting into the close contact of infected patients. People are more prone to get infected with RTI during winter. If treated well, and on time respiratory infections can be cured completely. But, delays in treatment can cause serious infections and life-threatening situations. Here in this article, you can learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of lower and upper RTI.
Causes of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LTRI)Below viruses and bacteria are the main causes of LTRI.
Lower Respiratory Tract Infection |
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection |
What is Lower Respiratory Tract?The lower respiratory tract consists of the windpipe (trachea), the bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli all made lungs, in the lower part of the respiratory system. |
What is Upper Respiratory Tract?The upper respiratory tract consists of nose, sinuses, mouth, throat, pharynx, and larynx (voice box) in the upper part of the respiratory system. |
Types of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LTRI)Lower respiratory tract infections include: · Fever · Severe cough · Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing · Wheezing · Bronchitis · Pneumonia · Bronchiolitis · Tuberculosis · Lung Cancer |
Types of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (UTRI)Upper respiratory tract infections include: · Common cold · Sore Throat · Tonsillitis · Sinusitis · Laryngitis (infection of the voice box) Flu |
Causes of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (UTRI)Below viruses and bacteria are the main causes of UTRI. · Thinoviruses · Group A streptococci · Influenza and parainfluenza viruses · Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) · Whooping cough · Diphtheria · Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) |
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Symptoms of LTRIBelow are the main symptoms of LTRI: · Congestion or runny nose · Dry cough · Sore throat · Low-grade fever · Mild headache · Wheezing · Chest tightness |
Symptoms of UTRIBelow are the main symptoms of UTRI: · Headaches · Aching muscles · Stuffed-up or runny nose · Sneezing · Sore throat |
Treatment of LTRIThe treatment of LTRI includes: · Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy · Antibiotics · Maintain good hygiene · Cover mouth while coughing or sneezing · Intravenous fluids · Humidified oxygen · Ventilation support |
Treatment of UTRIThe treatment of UTRI includes: · Antibiotics · Steam · Inhalers · Nebulizer · Wash Hands · Cover Mouth and Nose when sneezing or coughing · Wear Mask |
Worsen pollution levels; hazardous air quality, smog, vehicle, and factory smoke are increasing the cases of respiratory diseases in India. The right treatment, medication, diet, and regular doctor visits are required to combat the ill-effects of RTI. But, the incessant rise in medical inflation, making it difficult for common mass to afford the on-going treatment of respiratory diseases. As it says, an ounce of prevention is worth than a pound of cure. In such a situation, consider comprehensive health insurance that covers all your treatment expenses and support you in a financial crunch. For maximum benefits at an affordable premium, check the health insurance plans offered by Care Health Insurance. A right health insurance policy acts as your safeguard so that you can breathe easily.
Published on 21 Sep 2023
Published on 21 Sep 2023
Published on 21 Sep 2023
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