A respiratory infection characterizes a disease of the respiratory organs. Either the upper or lower respiratory tract is affected by the common infection. In common parlance, an acute respiratory infection is often referred to as a cold.
What is a respiratory infection?
Various pathogens cause an acute respiratory infection. The respiratory tract affected by it is divided into upper and lower respiratory tracts. The upper respiratory organs are located outside the chest cavity. These include the nose, throat and sinuses. The larynx represents the boundary of the two areas. The lower respiratory tract includes the trachea and bronchi. An upper respiratory tract infection develops far more frequently. The course is generally uncomplicated and easily treatable. A lower respiratory tract infection usually involves a longer lasting disease process with severe symptoms. In the course of the disease, the pathogens can spread. As a result, various concomitant diseases develop. For example, a bacterial middle ear infection develops in the case of upper respiratory tract infections. Furthermore, an upper respiratory tract infection can develop into a lower respiratory tract disease. A chronic course is characterized by recurrent or particularly protracted symptoms. Chronic obstructive bronchitis, for example, belongs to this type of respiratory infection.
Causes
There are many causes of respiratory infection. Normally, the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs as well as the body’s own defense system protect the organism from numerous pathogens. However, if the natural barrier is disturbed or the immune system is weakened, a respiratory tract infection can develop. Various viruses are predominantly considered to be the cause of the disease. Nevertheless, bacteria, and rarely also fungi, can cause a respiratory tract infection. Bacteria produce, for example, middle ear infections or sinusitis. Transmission occurs through droplet infection. During coughing, sneezing or talking, the pathogens enter the respiratory air. However, respiratory infection can also occur through smear or contact infection. The incubation period of a respiratory infection is a few hours to a few days.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
Already at the onset of respiratory infection, the patient finds that breathing causes him difficulty and, in some cases, pain. Too little oxygen reaches the blood via the respiratory tract, the body is undersupplied, and a severe drop in performance becomes noticeable. Fatigue and exhaustion are the result. Normal activities and movements require great effort and are often no longer possible. Many patients find it difficult to get out of bed and engage in normal activities. As a result of the low oxygen supply, the cardiovascular system is also weakened. There is an increase in the pulse rate, as the heart has to beat more often to ensure oxygen supply to the body. Due to this extra effort, high energy consumption takes place. Heavy sweating and increased temperature occur not only due to the infection of the body, which is usually bacterial, but also due to the additional effort. As the infection progresses, there is usually a secretion of secretions that must be expelled from the airways by coughing. The effort of coughing up further weakens the patient, as it involves exertion. Depending on the type of infection, the symptoms can also extend to the upper respiratory tract in the nose and throat, for example in the case of an influenza infection or a cold. The mucous membranes in the throat and nose swell, and there is increased secretion.
Diagnosis and course
The physician makes the diagnosis of respiratory infection based on the present duration and severity of symptoms, after a thorough examination and questioning of the patient. The examination includes looking at, tapping, listening to and palpating various areas of the body. The causative agent of a respiratory infection is detected by a blood draw. In the case of bacterial respiratory infection, an increased concentration of leukocytes (white blood cells) is visible in the blood count. Furthermore, a throat swab can give an indication of bacterial involvement. If necessary, the physician will also take an X-ray of the chest.In the case of persistent respiratory infection and present abnormalities, bronchoscopy (lung endoscopy) or computed tomography (CT) may also be performed. As the respiratory infection progresses, complications may arise. Due to this, pneumonia, meningitis or myocarditis may develop. As a rule, these diseases develop through a so-called secondary infection, also called superinfection. The immune system is already weakened by the infectious disease, and bacteria override the viruses.
Complications
In many cases, upper respiratory tract infections progress without complications. Because they are usually caused by viruses, antibiotics are not necessary if there is nothing to suggest a bacterial cause. Nevertheless, many doctors prescribe antibiotics as a precautionary measure, which is problematic mainly because of the formation of resistance. Serious complications can only occur in more complicated courses of sinusitis, pharyngitis or tonsillitis. If therapy is inadequate, these diseases can then develop into a chronic form that recurs several times, or the pathogens spread to neighboring tissue, causing secondary diseases. In the case of sinusitis, the frontal sinus and maxillary sinus can be affected, in the case of middle ear inflammation the bone behind the ear (mastoiditis), and in the case of tonsillitis the kidneys, heart and joints. In addition, it is possible for bacteria to attack the weakened immune system as a result of the infection, resulting in a superinfection. In contrast, infections of the lower respiratory tract are generally more severe. Pneumonia, which can also develop from a complication of laryngitis, should be emphasized here. There may be oxygen deficiency with obstruction of breathing, blood poisoning with spread of the pathogens, accumulation of fluid between the lungs and chest (pleural effusion), and bleeding and scarring, which affect expansion and thus breathing, within the lungs. Furthermore, multiple inflammations of other organs are possible.
When should one go to the doctor?
If a respiratory infection is suspected, a doctor should be consulted in any case. Medical advice is recommended at the first signs of infection, such as difficulty breathing, a scratchy throat or a feeling of pressure in the ear. The typical symptoms of a cold, such as a runny nose and frequent sneezing, should definitely be clarified in order to prevent an aggravation of the underlying disease. A visit to the doctor is particularly urgent if the lower respiratory tract is affected. Hoarseness, sputum, chest pain and so on indicate acute bronchitis or even pneumonia or laryngitis, which must be treated immediately. As a rule of thumb, if the symptoms have not subsided after a few days, it is best to consult a doctor. If there is an underlying disease of the heart or lungs or diabetes, it is best to see a doctor immediately the next day. With children and elderly patients, a quick visit to the doctor is also recommended if a respiratory infection is suspected. Especially with infants and young children, complaints must be investigated quickly because the respiratory tract is still developing.
Treatment and therapy
The therapy of an acute respiratory infection depends on the pathogen and general condition of the ill person. Patients often recover without drug treatment. Therapy consists only of relieving the symptoms. Suitable methods include steam or inhalation baths, various wraps, adequate hydration and physical rest. In more severe forms, bed rest is indicated. Furthermore, pharmacy-only medicines can successfully alleviate the accompanying symptoms of a respiratory tract infection. These include, in the case of impaired nasal breathing, nasal sprays or nasal drops. For complaints in the throat and pharynx, gargle solutions or pain– and inflammation-reducing sucking preparations are suitable. If, on the other hand, the sufferer of a respiratory tract infection is suffering from fever, headache and pain in the limbs, medications containing paracetamol or acetylsalicylic acid can quickly improve physical well-being. In the case of bacterial involvement of a respiratory infection, the attending physician always prescribes an antibiotic. A chronic course requires long-term therapy.In the case of an incurable obstructive (breathing-impairing) respiratory infection, long-term drug therapy can lead to symptom relief.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis for respiratory infections is considered good, at least in acute cases. Most infections are mild conditions that often resolve on their own, provided the affected person has a healthy immune system and the respiratory tract is not pre-damaged. Most adults are affected by such minor infections up to four times a year. In rare cases, medication is required for acute respiratory tract infections, especially pneumonia. Severe fever, accompanying ailments or very poor environmental conditions, can also complicate the healing process. The same applies if the sufferer is a smoker or is occupationally exposed to pollutants. The prognosis is worse for chronic respiratory infections. There are progressive conditions here and those that can be stabilized well with treatment. There may also be periods of improvement after which the infection becomes more symptomatic again. Early detection and good treatment are crucial here. There are some chronic conditions that can be well controlled with ongoing treatment, but are still limiting for the sufferer. Lifelong conditions, often caused by a combination of respiratory infection and previous respiratory damage, do occur. The exact prognosis for chronic respiratory infections, must be clarified by a physician. In general, however, the affected person has a considerable influence on the course of therapy through his or her lifestyle.
Prevention
Respiratory infection cannot always be reliably prevented. It is primarily recommended that the immune system be sufficiently strengthened. Suitable preventive measures include a healthy diet rich in vitamins, sufficient exercise in the fresh air and avoidance of alcohol and nicotine as far as possible. This often enables the body to fight off a respiratory infection on its own. Particularly susceptible, immunocompromised individuals should stay away from crowds as much as possible to prevent respiratory infection.
Aftercare
A respiratory infection can be very dangerous. Good treatment is very important at first to avoid late effects. Follow-up care of such an infection is even more important. A respiratory infection can be caused by pathogens or bacteria. The treatment of an acute respiratory infection therefore depends very much on the pathogen and the general condition of the patient. Patients often recover without drug treatment. However, regular follow-up examinations are very important to ensure a complete cure. If the ill person forgoes further follow-up examinations, then the respiratory tract infection can germinate repeatedly. In the event of a renewed worsening of the symptoms that occur, an appropriate doctor should be consulted immediately. Anti-inflammatory medications can be used to prevent an existing respiratory infection. Appropriate follow-up care can also prevent the infection from spreading throughout the body. Under certain circumstances, there is a risk of a significant worsening, so that a visit to the doctor should not be put on the back burner. Follow-up examinations are very important and significant even in the case of a supposedly harmless respiratory tract infection. In addition, follow-up care promotes a complete and timely recovery.
What you can do yourself
In addition to direct treatment of upper and lower respiratory tract infection with medications, affected individuals can help their bodies fight the infection in many ways. Mucus production, and thus coughing up and clearing the airways, can be stimulated by drinking enough fluids and inhaling steam. Eucalyptus oil and other more pungent medicinal plants can also help as an additive in the steam, or be applied directly. In this regard, the measures also help with respiratory infections that lead to a dry cough, because they soothe the mucous membranes and can relieve the scratchy feeling in the throat. A healthy diet and temporary abstinence from nicotine and alcohol additionally support the immune system and the mucous membrane cell supply. Regular walks in the fresh air also help, because the airways are cleansed in this way.Exposure of the respiratory tract to dust, smoke and other pollutants should be reduced as far as possible. Sufficient amounts of sleep and physical rest also help the sufferer. Mouth and throat rinses with lukewarm sage tea or salt water soothe the airways and fight bacteria. Neither liquid should be swallowed. In the case of over-the-counter remedies that relieve symptoms (cough syrup, numbing throat lozenges, etc.), it should be noted that doing so interferes with coughing up and expectoration. In acute, non-serious infections, these remedies are safe. For chronic respiratory infections, treatment of the cause by a physician should be the priority.