Final answer:
Acute and infectious respiratory illnesses may lead to complications such as pneumonia, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), sepsis, and bronchiolitis, each with its causes and potential treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Complications of Acute and Infectious Respiratory Illnesses
Acute and infectious respiratory illnesses can lead to several serious complications. Some of the complications include:
- Pneumonia, which is an inflammation primarily of the alveoli in the lungs caused by infections such as viral or bacterial pathogens, including influenza virus types A and B, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, and SARS coronavirus. Treatment for pneumonia often involves prescription antibiotics and vaccines are available for prevention.
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) happens primarily in infants born prematurely due to insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant, which is necessary to keep the alveoli in the lungs inflated. ARDS leads to severe respiratory distress with low oxygen levels and high carbon dioxide levels in the blood.
- Sepsis can result from severe infections spreading into the blood, causing a systemic inflammatory response that can lead to organ failure and shock.
- Bronchiolitis is an inflammation of the bronchioles, usually caused by viral infections, primarily affecting infants and young children.
It is important to treat respiratory infections early to prevent these complications. Monitoring for symptoms of severe illness and seeking medical treatment promptly can improve outcomes for affected individuals.