Respiratory Infection Symptoms

There are mainly two kinds of respiratory infections: upper respiratory infections, and lower respiratory infections. Upper respiratory infections mainly affects the sinus, nose, and pharynx; while the lower respiratory infection 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. A handshake, sharing infected food, touching the nose or mouth with infected hands can cause upper respiratory infections. Regular smokers are all the 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 Upper and Lower Respiratory Infections

Before you undergo any treatment, or medication, it is advised that you know whether you suffer from an upper respiratory infection, or a lower respiratory infection. 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

Upper respiratory infections, generally referred to as common cold and cough, have the potential to spread when an affected individual comes in contact with the other. Sneezing, and spasmodic coughing are the two major culprits responsible for transmitting viruses. Maintaining hygiene is of paramount importance in order to avert any possibilities of enduring the infection. Washing, rather scrubbing your hands well; especially, after coming in contact with a person affected, covering the mouth, and the nose while you sneeze, or when you are in the vicinity of someone who is about to sneeze. Bear in mind that upper respiratory infections are contagious, and it would be sapient of you to take preventive measures. 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, and sinusitis are also symptoms of upper respiratory infections. In most cases, the symptoms disappear within a week, or two.

Lower Respiratory Infection Symptoms

Lower respiratory infections are categorized as Bronchitis and Pneumonia. Bronchitis can be further classified as acute, and chronic. Acute bronchitis is a condition where the infection has not been recurrent in nature; therefore, the individual does not have any associated medical history with regards to bronchial infections. Chronic bronchitis, contrarily, indicates the condition being recurrent with the virus or bacteria causing infection in the system. Pneumonia is a condition where the lungs - to be specific - the alveoli gets affected. Pneumonia can be of the following types: typical, fungal, interstitial, and chronic. The most prevalent symptom of the condition is severe spasmodic coughing. The lower respiratory infections are more serious, and severe than the upper respiratory infections. The most observed symptom, 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 frequently observed symptoms are breathlessness, wheezing, headache, sinusitis, blocked nose, sore throat, a tight feeling in the chest, and body ache. High fever, and fatigue are also symptoms of lower respiratory infections symptoms.

Most of the time, respiratory infections are cured without any treatment. However, in some cases, the infection becomes severe, and the need for expert intervention arises. If you are very unwell, it is advised to consult a medical practitioner at the earliest. 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 pay a visit at the doctor's. These infections might worsen the condition you are suffering from. People enduring lung, heart, liver or kidney diseases should also consult a doctor, if the above-mentioned respiratory infection symptoms are observed. If people aged 65 years or above experience these symptoms, then it is advisable to consult 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 medication.

Hope this write-up has cleared your doubts about respiratory infection symptoms. During frost, there is a surge in respiratory infections. If proper hygiene is maintained, you can keep away from upper respiratory infections. Eat a healthy diet and avoid smoking, then you can easily stay away from lower respiratory infections.