What is respiratory infection?
A respiratory infection is any infection that occurs in your respiratory system. Respiratory infections can happen in any of the following areas:
- Sinuses
- Throat
- Trachea (windpipe)
- Bronchial tubes, the passages inside your lungs
- Alveoli, the air sacs inside your lungs
In general, respiratory infections tend to originate in the upper respiratory tract, particularly in the sinuses and throat. If untreated, upper respiratory infections may move deep into your lungs and become pneumonia.
What are the signs of a respiratory infection?
Respiratory infections typically cause symptoms like congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and cough. Severe respiratory infections can cause more serious symptoms as well, such as chest pain, breathing problems, fever, and body chills.
What causes respiratory infections?
Viruses such as the common cold and influenza cause most respiratory infections. Bacteria can also cause respiratory infections, with one example being the streptococcus bacteria causing strep throat.
Respiratory infections are usually contagious, which means they typically spread to others through tiny respiratory droplets. If you have a respiratory infection, you can expel these droplets with every sneeze or cough.
You can also transfer a respiratory infection to someone else if you touch your nose or mouth and then come in contact with someone or something else without washing your hands.
How do you treat respiratory infections?
Because respiratory infections are usually viral, they don’t improve with antibiotics. Often, the infection simply needs to run its course. But, Dr. Zarreii can prescribe medication to ease symptoms like sneezing and sore throat.
In some cases, antiviral drugs may help with respiratory infections caused by viruses. If you have a bacterial infection, Dr. Zarreii typically prescribes antibiotics that target the specific bacteria causing your infection.
Some respiratory infections, like the flu, are preventable. That’s why you need yearly flu vaccinations. It’s also important to remember that you can help control your risk for respiratory infections, even in cases where there’s no vaccine available.
Some smart self-protection tips include washing your hands regularly and following medical and government recommendations.
Respiratory infections are usually very treatable, so call Zarreii Medical and Aesthetics, or use online booking for help now.
