Acute respiratory infections are inflammations in the respiratory tract, each with specific symptoms depending on the area affected. They can be caused by viruses or bacteria, with viral infections being more common but usually milder. Severe bacterial infections require antibiotics and medical attention.
What is Acute Respiratory Infection?
An acute respiratory infection is an infection that may interfere with normal breathing. It typically manifests as an inflammatory response in different parts of the respiratory tract, each presenting with various symptoms and requiring different treatment approaches.
For instance, rhinitis involves the nasal cavities and is often evidenced by a stuffy or runny nose, while sinusitis affects the sinuses causing pain and possibly fever.
Pharyngitis, or a sore throat, is characterized by pain in the throat, difficulty swallowing, and sometimes fever. Lastly, laryngitis involves the voice box resulting in voice loss or hoarseness.
Bronchitis and pneumonia are more severe and affect the lower respiratory system. Viral infections are the most frequent cause, but bacteria, such as gram-negative rods, can also be responsible.
Such infections can range from mild symptoms similar to the common cold to severe cases like pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.
Treatment usually includes the use of antibiotics to combat bacterial pathogens, while viral infections are mostly self-limiting. In the case of serious bacterial infections, prompt medical attention and antibiotic therapy are critical for recovery.