Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI)

Overview of Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI)

Respiratory Tract Infections Meaning in Urdu

سانس کی نالی کا انفیکشن ایک ایسا انفیکشن ہے جو کہ گلے اور پھیپھڑوں وغیرہ کو متاثر کرتا ہے۔ کئی مرتبہ سانس کی نالی کا انفیکشن خود بخود ختم ہو جاتا ہے، تاہم اگر یہ شدت اختیار کر جائے تو پھر ادویات استعمال کرنے کی ضرورت ہوتی ہے۔ اس انفیکشن کی بنیادی علامات میں کھانسی، چھینکیں، ناک سے پانی بہنا، گلے کی خراش، سردرد، پٹھوں میں درد، تیز بخار، اور سانس لینے میں مشکلات شامل ہیں۔ یہ بیماری لاحق ہونے کی صورت میں مکمل طور پر آرام حاصل کرنے کی ضرورت ہوتی ہے کیوں کہ مکمل آرام کی وجہ  سے اس سے نجات حاصل کرنا آسان ہو جاتا ہے۔

Infectious diseases of the upper or lower respiratory tract are known as respiratory tract infections. The upper respiratory system starts at your sinuses and ends at vocal cords and the lower respiratory system starts at vocal cords and ends at your lungs.

Simply, RTIs are any infections that cause trouble breathing.

Upper respiratory infections include the common cold, tonsils, acute rhinitis, acute rhinosinusitis, and acute otitis media. Lower respiratory tract infections include bronchitis, pneumonia, tracheitis, and bronchiolitis.

People with weaker immune systems, children, and older adults are more prone to these infections.

Signs and Symptoms of Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI)

The possible symptoms of RTIs can include:

  • Cough- you may have coughing with phlegm
  • Sneezing
  • Congestion in the nose or congestion on the chest
  • A sore throat
  • Headaches/body pains
  • Tightness in the chest or wheezing
  • A high fever  
  • A general feeling of being unwell

Types of Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI)

Causes of Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI)

There can be several different causes of respiratory infection.

Some possible causes of upper respiratory infection are:

Some causes of lower respiratory tract infections can be:

Flu is a condition that can be considered as lower or upper RTI. Usually, lower RTIs tend to last for a longer duration of time and are more severe.

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Risk Factors of Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI)

In our current environment, sooner or later you will be exposed to some viruses or bacteria. However, there are some conditions that make you more susceptible to these diseases. These risks can include:

  • People with a weaker immune system
  • Children
  • People who already have some underlying condition like a heart or lung disease
  • Older adults
  • Smokers

Health Complications 

Possible complications of respiratory tract infections are:

Usually, RTIs are not very serious but negligence and some other underlying medical condition can cause serious complications. Some of these complications can be:

  • Respiratory arrest
  • Respiratory failure
  • Congestive heart failure

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Prevention

Having proper vaccines like MMR vaccine, Influenza, and Pneumovax vaccine can lower the chances of any such infections.

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Diagnosis

Usually, your doctor will diagnose this disease based on the sound of your lungs when you breathe. Abnormal sounds may indicate the presence of fluid or inflammation in the lungs.  

For lower respiratory tract infections, your doctor might suggest an X-ray or a CT scan to analyze the condition of the lungs.

Some other diagnostic methods can be:

  • Lung function test
  • Pulse ox – to check the level of oxygen in the blood
  • Mouth or nose swab
  • A sputum culture

Treatment of Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI) | When to Consult a Doctor

In case of a bacterial infection, your pulmonologist would suggest you some antibiotics. For viruses, there are no such treatments. Your doctor might recommend some medication depending on your condition.

You can visit any of your nearest healthcare facilities for the treatment of these diseases or you can consult healthcare professionals at Healthwire.pk.