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Acute Upper Respiratory Infection

Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) in general is defined as an infection in the upper respiratory tract. The common cold is one of the most common Upper Respiratory Infections.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Know more about Acute respiratory infections?
2. Effects of Bronchiolitis in Winter?
3. Safety precautions to follow during the rainy season?

Today let us in detail discuss Acute Upper Respiratory Infection, its causes and symptoms.

About Acute Upper Respiratory Infection

Our respiratory tract is broadly classified into two categories namely the upper respiratory tract and the lower respiratory tract. Where the upper respiratory tract includes the mouth, nose, sinus, throat, larynx and trachea and the lower respiratory tract consists of bronchial tubes and the lungs. Acute Upper Respiratory Infection is a contagious infection in the upper respiratory tract which interferes with normal breathing. In addition to cold, few other types of Acute upper respiratory infections include Sinusitis, Epiglottitis, Laryngitis and Bronchitis.

Though these Upper Respiratory Infections can affect people of all age groups but is more common in children and older adults this is mainly because of their weak immune system. People suffering from chronic disorders like heart diseases, lung problems and so on are more prone to developing Acute Upper Respiratory tract infections.

Causes of Acute Upper Respiratory Infection

An Acute Upper Respiratory Infection can be caused due to both viruses and bacteria.

Viruses that cause Acute Upper Respiratory Infections include

  • Rhinovirus
  • Adenovirus
  • Coxsackievirus
  • Parainfluenza virus
  • Respiratory syncytial virus
  • Human metapneumovirus

Bacteria that causes Acute Upper Respiratory Infections include

  • Chlamydia
  • Gonorrhoea
  • Diphtheria

Risk factors of Acute Upper Respiratory Infections

As we all know, Acute Upper Respiratory Infections are highly contagious and spread easily through hand to hand contact, droplets and so on. Few risk factors of Acute Upper Respiratory Infections include

  • Weak immune system
  • Not maintaining proper hygiene
  • Coming in contact with a person suffering from URI

Symptoms of Acute Upper Respiratory Infection

People suffering from Acute Upper Respiratory Infection experience symptoms like

  • Congestion (in the nasal area or the lungs)
  • Persistent cough
  • Wheezing
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Pain and difficulty while swallowing
  • Sore or scratchy throat
  • Body aches
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Foul breath
  • Hyposmia (reduced ability to smell)

Complications of Acute Upper Respiratory Infection

In severe cases, Acute Upper Respiratory Infection can lead to complications like respiratory failure, respiratory arrest and congestive heart failure.

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Respiratory Problems

Acute Respiratory Infections: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

Acute Respiratory Infections: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

Experiencing symptoms like running nose, congestion, body ache and cough along with fever and difficulty in breathing?.  Under those circumstances, do not neglect it, there is a high chance that you may be suffering from acute respiratory infections. Unfortunately, incidents of acute respiratory infections are increasing these days. These infections can affect people of all age groups equally. This is a contagious infection. If left untreated the infection can spread to the entire respiratory system. But, it is particularly dangerous among children, older adults and people with weak immunity. Therefore, knowing about it is very important.

Frequently asked questions
How to overcome lung disorders?
Difference between Bronchitis and Pneumonia?

 

Acute Respiratory Infections

Acute respiratory infection is a viral infection that interferes with normal breathing. However, this infection can affect your both upper respiratory system and lower respiratory system. Although,  most of the times, it begins as a viral infection in the nose, trachea or in lungs.

As was previously stated, it is highly contagious and spread easily by inhaling the respiratory droplets of the infected person. From sneezing and coughing. This acute respiratory infection is a serious condition and needs medical assistance. Because it interferes with normal breathing due to which our body fails to get enough oxygen.

Causes of Acute Respiratory Infections

Acute respiratory infections are caused due to several virus and bacteria.

Viral causes of acute respiratory infection include

  • Adenoviruses (are also said to cause cold, bronchitis and pneumonia)
  • Rhinoviruses
  • Influenza virus
  • Enterovirus
  • Respiratory syncytial virus

Bacterial causes of acute respiratory infection include

  • Pneumococcus
  • Bordetella pertussis
  • Corynebacterium diphtheria
  • Streptococcus pyogenes
  • Haemophilus influenza

People with low immunity, lung disorders and heart problems, are more at risk of developing acute respiratory infections.

Symptoms of Acute Respiratory Infections

People with acute respiratory infections experience symptoms like

  • Runny nose
  • Congestion (in the lungs or nasal sinuses)
  • Itchy and watery eyes
  • Persistent cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Sore throat
  • Sneezing
  • Headache
  • Fever and chills
  • Fatigue

In fact, contact a doctor immediately if people with acute respiratory infections experience symptoms. Like difficulty in breathing, dizziness and loss of consciousness.

Complications of Acute Respiratory Infections

However, if left untreated or if the disease progress. It can result in permanent damage and can also be fatal. Few complications of acute respiratory infections include

  • Respiratory arrest (lungs stops functioning)
  • Respiratory failure
  • Congestive heart failure

Tips to prevent Acute Respiratory Infections

We all know that prevention is always the best solution. To reduce the risk of harmful disorders like acute respiratory infections. Below are a few simple tips that help to reduce your risk of acute respiratory infections

  • Avoid close contact with infected people or people who are sick.
  • Moreover, be hygienic, wash your hands frequently.
  • Do not touch your face, nose and mouth without washing your hands to prevent virus and bacteria from entering your body.
  • Sneeze into the arm or tissues to prevent the disease from spreading.
  • Boost your immune system by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.