Respiratory tract is an important system that ensures oxygen exchange of our body. However, various violations may occur in this system for various reasons. Respiratory diseases and infections are usually caused by viruses or bacteria that travel through the respiratory tract. In this article, you will find detailed information about the types, symptoms, treatment and preventive measures of respiratory diseases.
The respiratory system is a complex structure that allows the body to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. It includes many organs such as the nose, throat, trachea, bronchi and lungs. Respiratory diseases refer to disorders occurring in any of these organs.
What are respiratory diseases?
The respiratory system is a complex structure that allows the body to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. It includes many organs such as the nose, throat, trachea, bronchi and lungs. Respiratory diseases refer to disorders occurring in any of these organs.
Respiratory diseases
Respiratory diseases generally include conditions affecting the upper or lower respiratory tract.
Diseases of the upper respiratory tract
Upper respiratory diseases include conditions affecting the upper respiratory organs such as the nose, throat, sinuses, ears, and pharynx.
Diseases of the lower respiratory tract
Lower respiratory tract diseases include conditions affecting the lungs and lower airways. These include:
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi. It can cause symptoms such as coughing, phlegm production, chest pain and shortness of breath.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Symptoms may include fever, cough, phlegm, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Respiratory tract infections
Respiratory tract infections are usually caused by viruses or bacteria. These infections can affect the organs of the upper or lower respiratory tract.
Upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and treatment
An upper respiratory tract infection usually starts with mild symptoms like a cold or flu. Rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and medication to relieve symptoms are usually recommended.
Lower respiratory tract infections and complications
Lower respiratory tract infections can lead to more serious illness, such as bronchitis or pneumonia. In these cases, doctor-recommended medication and rest are important.
What is an upper respiratory tract infection?
Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) throat, nose, sinuses. are infections of the respiratory parts of the body, such as the airways or lungs. It causes symptoms like runny nose, sore throat and cough. Runny nose, cough and sore throat are the main symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. Along with rest, which is recommended as treatment, fluid intake is very important. These infections heal on their own. It heals faster when supported by drugs and supplements.
What are the main symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection?
Symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection include nasal congestion, sore throat, burning in the throat, cough, headache, body aches and fever. In addition to these, watery and burning eyes can also be among the symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection. Depending on the immune system in children, symptoms may begin to appear after 1-3 days.
What are the symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection?
The main symptoms are cough, phlegm, burning and sore throat, sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches, wheezing, weakness and fatigue.
Babies may experience symptoms such as restlessness, mild fever, stuffy nose, sleep problems, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
What are the main symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in adults?
Symptoms such as headache, high fever, muscle aches and chills are indicative of an upper respiratory tract infection in adults. A high temperature may be observed for 3 days. Symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea are common upper respiratory symptoms.
What causes an upper respiratory tract infection?
If a virus or bacteria enters the respiratory system, an upper respiratory tract infection can develop. This disease also occurs when touching an infected surface or shaking hands with a sick person. By touching the mouth, nose and eyes with hands, germs enter the body and cause infection.
What are upper respiratory diseases?
There are also types of upper respiratory tract diseases depending on the symptoms. The treatment of upper respiratory tract infection that develops in areas such as the throat, nose, and sinuses is also carried out accordingly. Upper respiratory tract infections can be classified as follows:
Flu
Influenza virus can spread to humans through coughing or sneezing. Flu symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on the type of virus. This condition, which also attacks the immune system, is severe in some people and mild in others.
Sinusitis
Among the diseases of the upper respiratory tract, sinusitis is the most common infection. Green mucus from the nose, headache, bad breath, nasal congestion are among the main symptoms of sinusitis.
Laryngitis
Laryngitis can occur during inflammation of the larynx. The virus infects the upper respiratory tract and causes laryngitis. Laryngitis, which appears as a symptom of voice change, can be treated with medication.
Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis, also known as sore throat, is caused by a virus. Symptoms include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, ear pain, and swollen tonsils.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis, caused by inflammation of the bronchi, is an upper respiratory tract infection.
Upper respiratory tract infections in children
Some of the common childhood diseases are upper respiratory tract infections. Infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract observed in children with symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, runny nose can be listed as follows:
Nasopharyngitis
Nasopharyngitis, which manifests as fever, cough, runny nose and headache, is among the upper respiratory tract infections seen in children. It is often observed especially in children under 6 years old.
Acute rhinosinusitis
Acute rhinosinusitis is one of the most common upper respiratory tract infections in childhood. Acute rhinosinusitis caused by a virus is observed with symptoms such as nasal congestion, cough, headache. It may go away on its own with rest and fluid intake.
What is the best thing to do for an upper respiratory infection?
Treatment of upper respiratory tract infection is carried out according to the symptoms that occur. Depending on the patient's symptoms, the doctor may prescribe different pain relievers, antipyretics or syrups. Against upper respiratory tract infections, you can use measures such as resting at home, drinking soothing herbal teas, gargling the throat. In addition, for an upper respiratory tract infection, it is recommended that you:
Gargling with salt water
Various herbal teas
Saline nasal spray
Plenty of fluid intake
What are the ways to prevent upper respiratory tract infection?
Using a mask and washing hands frequently are ways to prevent upper respiratory tract infections. You can also use these methods to prevent upper respiratory tract infections:
When coughing, sneeze into your arm or tissue
Avoid contact with sick people
Drink plenty of fluids
Try to get your sleep
What is acute upper respiratory tract infection?
Acute upper respiratory tract infections are diseases that affect the nose and sinuses, especially the throat, and involve the upper respiratory tract. It is caused by bacteria and viruses and causes conditions such as flu, sinusitis and tonsillitis.
What are the complications of upper respiratory tract infections?
Ear infections (otitis media), sinus infections, and pneumonia may occur.
