Respiratory Tract Infections

Respiratory tract infections or respiratory tract infections are infections that attack the human respiratory tract. This infection is caused by bacteria or viruses. There are two types of respiratory tract infections based on their location, namely upper and lower respiratory tract infections.

Upper respiratory tract infections (URI / URTI) infections occur in the nasal cavity, sinuses, and throat. Some diseases that are included in upper respiratory tract infections are colds, sinusitis, tonsillitis, and laryngitis. While lower respiratory tract infections (LRI / LRTI) occur in the airway and lungs. Some types of diseases that are included in this infection are bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia.

Respiratory infections can be experienced by all ages. However, this condition is more vulnerable for children because their body's defense system against the virus that causes the infection has not yet formed.

Causes of respiratory tract infections
Some types of viruses or bacteria that can cause upper respiratory tract infections, including influenza and parainfluenza, Thinoviruses, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Group A Streptococcus, Pertussis, and Diphtheria.

While some types of viruses or bacteria that can cause lower respiratory tract infections, including influenza A, Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), H. influenzae, Streptococcus pneumonia, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteria, and anaerobic bacteria.

Healthy people can catch respiratory infections after inhalation of saliva splashes containing viruses or bacteria that are released by the patient when coughing or sneezing. Apart from direct contact, transmission can also occur indirectly by being mediated by objects that have been exposed to viruses or bacteria from sufferers of respiratory tract infections.

Symptoms of Respiratory Tract Infection
Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections can include coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, muscle aches, sore throat, headache, and fever. These symptoms usually last for 3 to 14 days.

While symptoms of lower respiratory tract infections can include coughing up phlegm, shortness of breath, wheezing, and fever. In children and infants, other symptoms that may arise, are difficulty eating, fussiness, and sleep disorders.

Diagnosis of respiratory tract infections
To diagnose upper respiratory tract infection is usually only based on symptoms, physical examination, and sometimes blood tests. Signs that doctors can find are red throat, red and swollen nose, swollen tonsils, tenderness in the cheek area, and lumps around the neck. The most common cause of an upper respiratory tract infection is a virus, so no further follow-up is needed unless the doctor suspects other causes such as bacteria and allergies. Examinations can be done such as blood and bacterial culture by taking samples from the nose, throat, or sputum swabs. Sinus CT scan also needs to be done if sinusitis causes visual disturbances, a lot of snot out, and has been experienced for more than 4 weeks.

For lower respiratory tract infections, in addition to watching for signs (such as shortness of breath), the doctor will also measure the level of oxygen in the blood (pulse oximetry) to detect any respiratory distress. In addition, supporting examinations in the laboratory also need to be carried out, such as:
  • X-ray photos. Examination with chest X-ray images is done to see the pattern and condition of the lungs and airway.
  • Examination d From the results of blood tests can be seen as an increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood which is a sign of infection.
  • Sputum examination or s Culture or culture of sputum or sputum samples is carried out to see bacterial growth.
If the suspected cause of infection is tuberculosis, several other tests can be done to diagnose it.

Treatment of respiratory tract infections
The cause of upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis is generally viral, and there is no specific therapy to treat various types of viruses that attack the upper airway. Upper respiratory tract infections because the virus can heal itself and no medication is needed. Patients can relieve symptoms of respiratory tract infections by taking a warm bath, drinking warm water, gargling with salt water, compressing the face with warm water, avoiding cold air, drinking lots of water, and resting. In the case of medicines to reduce symptoms, sufferers can take over-the-counter medicines to relieve symptoms of respiratory tract infections, such as paracetamol for fever, or other cold cough medicines. If the respiratory tract infection is caused by bacteria, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics, such as amoxicillin.

Treatment of pneumonia aims to treat infections and prevent complications and is very dependent on the severity of the disease, age, and patient's medical history. Treatment can also be done with treatment at the hospital if there are signs such as tightness, decreased awareness and blood pressure, require additional oxygen or other breathing aids, decreased kidney function, and are over 65 years old.

In certain cases, more serious medical treatment is needed if sufferers of respiratory tract infections have or experience certain conditions, such as:
  • Suffer from preexisting lung diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis.
  • Suffering from heart, liver, or kidney disease.
  • Suffered from cystic fibrosis or multiple sclerosis.
  • A cough that has lasted for more than three weeks.
  • Weight loss.
  • Chest pain.
  • Lump on the neck.
  • The weak immune system, such as in diabetics and taking corticosteroid medication.
Complications of respiratory tract infections
Complications that commonly arise due to upper respiratory tract infections are secondary infections due to bacteria, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, middle ear infections (otitis media), or meningitis that spreads from sinusitis. While complications that can arise due to lower respiratory tract infections include sepsis, empyema, lung abscess, and pleural effusion.

Prevention of respiratory tract infections
There are several ways that can be done to reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections, including:
  • Eat healthy and nutritionally balanced foods.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Stop smoking and avoid cigarette smoke.
  • Reducing stress levels.
  • Avoid direct contact with sufferers of infection.
  • Washing hands after activities.
  • Always cover your mouth and nose every time you sneeze or cough.
  • Keep yourself clean and the things around you
In addition to these methods, flu vaccines to protect themselves from respiratory infections can also be done, especially in children. For mothers who have babies, it is recommended to breastfeed their babies to help strengthen their immune system.

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