Respiratory Infection Symptoms

There are mainly two kind of respiratory infections, namely, upper respiratory infections and lower respiratory infections. Upper respiratory infections mainly affects the upper part of the body like the sinus, nose and pharynx. While, the lower respiratory infection system affects the respiratory system from the trachea to the lungs. In most cases, the upper respiratory infections occur due to microbial pathogens, like viruses and bacteria. The symptoms of upper respiratory infection arise after 1 to 3 days, after the virus has attacked the respiratory system. Hand shaking, sharing infected food, touching the nose or mouth with infected hands can cause upper respiratory infections. Regular smokers are more prone to lower respiratory infections. Pneumonia is also known to cause lower respiratory infections. Now that we know about the broad types, let's take a look at the respiratory infection symptoms.

Symptoms of Respiratory Infections

Before you take any treatment or medication, it is advised that you know whether you are suffering from upper respiratory infections or lower respiratory infections. Though, their symptoms are almost the same, there is a minute difference. Hence, it may be difficult to identify, whether the infection is due to malfunction in the upper or the lower respiratory system.

Upper Respiratory Infection Symptoms: The most commonly observed upper respiratory infection symptom is headache, sore throat, sneezing, muscle ache, facial pressure and stuffy or runny nose. Nasal congestion and excess mucous are also symptoms of upper respiratory infections. Coughing up blood can also be a symptom. Ear infection, common cold, sinusitis, bronchitis and laryngitis are also symptoms of upper respiratory infections. In most cases, the symptoms disappear within a week or two.

Lower Respiratory Infection Symptoms: The lower respiratory infections are more serious and severe than the upper respiratory infections. The most observed symptom or rather the main lower respiratory infection symptom is cough. The cough is very intense. It brings up phlegm, which is blood stained. Along with cough, the other observed symptoms are breathlessness, wheezing, headache, sinusitis, blocked nose, sore throat, a tight feeling in the chest and body pain. High fever and fatigue are also symptoms of lower respiratory infections symptoms.

Most of the times, respiratory infections are cured without any treatment. But, in some cases, the infection becomes severe and the need for proper treatment arises. If you are feeling very unwell because of the above-mentioned symptoms, then it is advised to consult a medical practitioner. If you are suffering from cystic fibrosis, weakened immune system or if you are suffering from diseases like multiple sclerosis, which affects your nervous system, then it is a must to visit a doctor, as these infections might worsen the disease you are suffering from. People suffering from lung, heart, liver or kidney diseases should also consult a doctor, if the above-mentioned respiratory infection symptoms are observed. People above 65 years experience this symptom, then it is advisable to seek the advice of a doctor. If, in the past, you have had a heart attack, or if you are suffering from diabetes, then it is a must to take proper medications.

Hope this short write-up must have cleared your doubts about respiratory infection symptoms. In the winter months, there is a surge in respiratory infections. If proper hygiene is maintained, you can keep away from upper respiratory infections. And, if you eat a healthy diet and avoid smoking, then you can easily stay away from lower respiratory infections. Have a healthy life! Read more on: structure of the human respiratory system.