Upper respiratory infections

Children tend to get more respiratory infections such as colds than adults because they have not yet developed immunity to many viruses

UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS 

upper respiratory tract infections (URTI or URI), are diseases caused by an acute infection involving the upper respiratory tract: nose, sinuses, pharynx and larynx.

upper respiratory tract infection  is a non-specific term used to describe acute infections of the nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, trachea and bronchi. The prototype is the disease known by the name of common colds, which will be discussed here, in addition to pharyngitis, sinusitis, and tracheo-bronchitis. Influenza is a systemic disease involving the airways and should be distinguished from other URI.

  

CAUSES 

Viruses cause most Upper Respiratory tract Infections with rhinovirus, parainfluenza virus, coronavirus, adenovirus, RS virus, Coxsackievirus, and the influence accounted for the majority of cases.  Human Metapneumovirus was recently found to cause material URI. beta-hemolytic streptococcus group (GABHS) causes 5% to 10% of cases, pharyngitis in adults. Other less common causes of bacterial pharyngitis are C beta-hemolytic streptococcus group, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Arcanobacterium haemolyticum, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and herpes simplex virus. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis and are the most common organisms that cause bacterial super-infection of virus in acute sinusitis.  Less than 10% of acute tracheobronchitis due to Bordetella pertussis, B. parapertussis, M. or C. pneumoniae pneumoniae.

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS 

Acute upper respiratory tract infections are fever, pharyngitis / tonsillitis is often called the flu, and their complications: sinusitis, otitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, and sometimes (even if the bronchi are generally classified as part of the lower respiratory tract.) Symptoms URI common cough, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, low fever, facial pressure and sneezing. Onset of symptoms usually begin 1-3 days after exposure to pathogenic microorganisms. The illness usually lasts 7-10 days.

Group A beta hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis / tonsillitis (strep throat) presents with sudden onset of sore throat, painful swallowing and fever. Strep throat usually does not cause a runny nose, changes in voice or cough. pain and ear pressure caused by middle ear infection (otitis media) and redness of the eye caused by a viral conjunctivitis is often associated with upper respiratory infections.

DIAGNOSIS 

Upper respiratory tract infections are diagnosed on the type and duration of symptoms. cold symptoms last for months, but do not cause sinus problems, allergies may actually be related.

TREATMENT 

The preferred treatment of upper respiratory infections is rest and plenty of fluids. Over-the-counter cold, flu and sinus remedies and pain relievers may provide temporary relief from symptoms but does not reduce infection. Gargle with salt water can help relieve the symptoms of sore throat. Steaming bowl of soup can help relieve nasal congestion opening. Antibiotics are not effective in treating viral infections, and only prescribed if the cause is a bacterial symptoms, such as sore throat, tonsillitis, earaches, or sinus infections. The best treatment for laryngitis is to rest his voice. repeated periods of tonsillitis treated surgically remove the infected tonsils. Mild croup can be treated at home with rest, fluids and a humidifier. However, children are hard to beat the basin in the hospital. 

If you have an upper respiratory infection, take plenty of rest and fluids. Call your doctor if symptoms worsen or last more than a week. Keep mucous membranes moist with a humidifier and petroleum jelly around the nose. nosedrops Saline may also help loosen mucus. Your doctor may tell you how this solution and how to use it often. You can help prevent upper respiratory tract, avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth, which would spread the virus your hands have contacted.