What are respiratory infections?
A respiratory infection develops in your upper or lower respiratory tract, including:
- Nasal passages
- Throat
- Mouth
- Larynx (voice box)
- Trachea (windpipe)
- Bronchial tubes
- Lungs
Lower respiratory tract infections occur below your voice box, and upper respiratory tract infections occur in and above the voice box.
What are the most common types of respiratory infection?
By far, the most common upper respiratory infection is the common cold. Other types of upper respiratory infections can include sinusitis, tonsillitis, and laryngitis. The most common lower respiratory infections include bronchitis and pneumonia. Some kinds of infections, such as influenza, can affect both respiratory tracts.
What are the symptoms of a respiratory infection?
Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection typically include:
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Headaches
Lower respiratory infections can have many of the same symptoms as upper respiratory infections, particularly in their milder form. A severe lower respiratory infection, however, can cause:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Severe cough, which may generate phlegm
- Wheezing
- Fever
- Chest pain
If you're experiencing symptoms of a respiratory infection, it's important to get in touch with the Borum Family Health Clinic team right away. They can advise you on treatment, home care, and preventing the spread of infectious illnesses like respiratory infections.
How do I treat a respiratory infection?
Treatment for a respiratory infection depends on the situation. For viral infections, the most common type, plenty of rest is key. The Borum Family Health Clinic team typically recommends staying well hydrated and taking medication to manage symptoms like fever, headache, and nasal congestion.
If you have a bacterial infection, you may need antibiotics to recover faster, but they're not effective for viral infections.
High-risk populations, including the very young and the elderly, may need a more aggressive approach to respiratory infection treatment. If you or a loved one falls into a high-risk category for respiratory infection complications, the team may recommend additional care, such as intravenous (IV) fluids and possibly hospitalization.
Don’t take chances when you’re dealing with a respiratory infection. Call Borum Family Health Clinic or book using the online scheduler for help now.
