Respiratory tract infection
Respiratory Tract Infection
Respiratory tract infection (pronunciation: res-pi-ra-tory tract in-fec-tion) is a medical term referring to infections that affect the respiratory tract. The respiratory tract is divided into two main parts: the upper respiratory tract and the lower respiratory tract.
Etymology
The term "respiratory tract infection" is derived from the Latin words respirare meaning "to breathe", tractus meaning "drawn out", and infectio meaning "to infect".
Types of Respiratory Tract Infections
Respiratory tract infections can be classified into two main types:
- Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI): This includes infections of the nose, sinuses, pharynx, or larynx. Common examples include the common cold, sinusitis, tonsillitis, and laryngitis.
- Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI): This includes infections of the trachea (windpipe), bronchial tubes, bronchioles, and the lungs. Common examples include bronchitis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of respiratory tract infections can vary depending on the specific infection and the part of the respiratory tract that is affected. However, common symptoms may include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, and fatigue.
Causes
Respiratory tract infections are usually caused by viruses, but can also be caused by bacteria. The most common viral cause is the influenza virus, while the most common bacterial cause is Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Treatment
Treatment for respiratory tract infections depends on the cause and severity of the infection. Viral infections are usually managed with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms. Bacterial infections may require antibiotics.
Prevention
Prevention strategies for respiratory tract infections include good hand hygiene, vaccination (for preventable infections like influenza and pneumonia), and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Respiratory tract infection
- Wikipedia's article - Respiratory tract infection
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