Final answer:
An upper-respiratory infection might be located in the nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx, or larynx, collectively known as the upper respiratory tract. These infections could be viral or bacterial in nature, with bacterial infections often treatable with antibiotics, while vaccines can prevent some viral infections.
Step-by-step explanation:
If someone had an upper-respiratory infection, it might be located in any of the structures that make up the upper respiratory tract. The upper respiratory tract includes the nasal cavity, sinuses, pharynx (throat), and larynx (voice box). Infections in these areas are typically named for the structure they inflame, with names ending in -itis.
For example, rhinitis affects the nasal cavity, sinusitis affects the sinuses, pharyngitis is an infection of the pharynx, and laryngitis affects the larynx. These infections can be caused by both viral and bacterial pathogens, and the presence of microorganisms is detected by the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) in these regions.
Common bacterial pathogens like Streptococcus pyogenes may cause symptoms such as sore throat or more severe conditions like strep throat.
Viral infections are also prevalent in the upper respiratory tract and can range from mild conditions like the common cold to more severe illnesses. While most bacterial infections respond well to antibiotics, few effective therapies exist for viral infections, though many viral infections are self-limiting, and prevention through vaccines is possible for some pathogens.