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Tonsillitis - What Are The Forms Of It?

Dr. Sarika Verma 92% (161 ratings)
MBBS Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery, Diploma In Otorhinolaryngology (DLO), DNB - ENT, Allergy Testing
ENT Specialist, Gurgaon
Tonsillitis - What Are The Forms Of It?

Tonsillitis is a disorder of the tonsils present on the back of your throat. The tonsils acts as a defensive mechanism in the body as they prevent the body from infections. This is a contagious condition and can occur at any age. It is widely prevalent among school going kids.

Tonsillitis may be classified in to two types:

1. Chronic tonsillitis

This type of tonsillitis tends to last for an extended duration with symptoms of bad breath and tenderness in the lymph nodes.

2. Recurrent tonsillitis

This is a form of acute tonsillitis which repeats itself over a year.

Causes

Tonsils prevent various virus and bacteria from entering the body through the mouth by producing antibodies. The tonsils, however, may become vulnerable to these infections. A virus that causes common cold or the bacteria that causes strep throat may result in tonsillitis. The most common cause of this disorder is the strep bacteria.

School going children are especially vulnerable to this disorder because they are most prone to various infections.

The various viruses that may cause tonsillitis are:

1. Enterovirus
2. Herpes simplex virus
3. Epstein-Barr virus
4. Influenza virus
5. Adenovirus
6. Parainfluenza virus

Common Symptoms

The various symptoms of tonsillitis are -

1. Swallowing difficulties
2. A sore throat
3. The sore throat may result in bad breath
4. You may experience fever and chills
5. Pain in the head, ear and stomach
6. You may experience stiffness in the neck and the jaw
7. Swollen tonsils with possible redness
8. Changes in voice
9. Symptoms of cold

Treatment

The treatment for tonsillitis is usually antibiotics and in some cases, tonsillectomy. The antibiotics help in getting rid of the bacterial infection. Surgery is only done in cases where tonsillitis is chronic in nature. It is important that you drink fluids and restrict smoking to prevent tonsillitis.

3883 people found this helpful

Causes and Symptoms of Tonsillitis

MBBS, MS-ENT, DNB (ENT) -, DOHNS(LONDON) -
ENT Specialist, Gurgaon
Causes and Symptoms of Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is a disorder of the tonsils present on the back of your throat. The tonsils acts as a defensive mechanism in the body as they prevent the body from infections. This is a contagious condition and can occur at any age. It is widely prevalent among school going kids.

Tonsillitis may be classified into two types:

  1. Chronic tonsillitis: This type of tonsillitis tends to last for an extended duration with symptoms of bad breath and tenderness in the lymph nodes.
  2. Recurrent tonsillitis: This is a form of acute tonsillitis which repeats itself over a year.

Causes: Tonsils prevent various virus and bacteria from entering the body through the mouth by producing antibodies. The tonsils, however, may become vulnerable to these infections. A virus that causes common cold or the bacteria that causes strep throat may result in tonsillitis. The most common cause of this disorder is the strep bacteria. School going children are especially vulnerable to this disorder because they are most prone to various infections.

The various viruses that may cause tonsillitis are:

  1. Enterovirus
  2. Herpes simplex virus
  3. Epstein-Barr virus
  4. Influenza virus
  5. Adenovirus
  6. Parainfluenza virus

Common symptoms: 
The various symptoms of tonsillitis are

  1. Swallowing difficulties
  2. A sore throat
  3. The sore throat may result in bad breath
  4. You may experience fever and chills
  5. Pain in the head, ear and stomach
  6. You may experience stiffness in the neck and the jaw
  7. Swollen tonsils with possible redness
  8. Changes in voice
  9. Symptoms of cold

Treatment: The treatment for tonsillitis is usually antibiotics and in some cases, tonsillectomy. The antibiotics help in getting rid of the bacterial infection. Surgery is only done in cases where tonsillitis is chronic in nature. It is important that you drink fluids and restrict smoking to prevent tonsillitis.

4361 people found this helpful

Tonsillitis - What Causes It?

Dr. Sourav Chakraborty 89% (56 ratings)
MS - ENT
ENT Specialist, Delhi
Tonsillitis -  What Causes It?

Tonsillitis is a disorder of the tonsils present on the back of your throat. The tonsils act as a defensive mechanism in the body as they prevent the body from infections. This is a contagious condition and can occur at any age. It is widely prevalent among school-going kids.

Tonsillitis may be classified into two types:

1. Chronic tonsillitis

This type of tonsillitis tends to last for an extended duration with symptoms of bad breath and tenderness in the lymph nodes.

2. Recurrent tonsillitis

This is a form of acute tonsillitis which repeats itself over a year.

Causes

Tonsils prevent various viruses and bacteria from entering the body through the mouth by producing antibodies. The tonsils, however, may become vulnerable to these infections. A virus that causes common cold or the bacteria that causes strep throat may result in tonsillitis. The most common cause of this disorder is the strep bacteria.

School-going children are especially vulnerable to this disorder because they are most prone to various infections.

The various viruses that may cause tonsillitis are:

1. Enterovirus
2. Herpes simplex virus
3. Epstein-Barr virus
4. Influenza virus
5. Adenovirus
6. Parainfluenza virus

Common Symptoms

The various symptoms of tonsillitis are -

1. Swallowing difficulties
You may experience difficulties in swallowing food due to the inflammation in the tonsils.
2. A sore throat
3. The sore throat may result in bad breath
4. You may experience fever and chills
5. Pain in the head, ear and stomach
6. You may experience stiffness in the neck and the jaw
7. Swollen tonsils with possible redness
8. Changes in voice
9. Symptoms of cold

Treatment

The treatment for tonsillitis is usually antibiotics and in some cases, tonsillectomy. The antibiotics help in getting rid of the bacterial infection. Surgery is only done in cases where tonsillitis is chronic in nature. It is important that you drink fluids and restrict smoking to prevent tonsillitis.

2719 people found this helpful

Things You Should Know About Respiratory Infections!

Dr. Hardik Thakker 90% (466 ratings)
MD - Internal Medicine, MBBS
Internal Medicine Specialist, Mumbai
Things You Should Know About Respiratory Infections!

24274Recent years have witnessed the severity of acute respiratory infections. The main cause is exposure to more of respiratory Infection causing microorganisms. Everyone is at a high risk of exposure. The infections can affect all age groups equally. Therefore, you must know all about acute respiratory infections.

Acute respiratory infections may interfere in normal breathing. The infection often starts as a viral infection in the nose, trachea (windpipe) or in the lungs. In cases of non treatment, the infection spreads to the entire respiratory system. The infections are transmissible.

Causes:
There are many respiratory infections of which causes are unknown. However, a few known viral causes are as follows:

  1. Adenoviruses: These viruses are known to have over 50 different types of viruses causing common coldbronchitis as well as pneumonia.
  2. Rhinoviruses: These viruses cause common cold. Those individuals, be it young or old, who have a weak immune system can have an acute respiratory infection.
  3. Influenza virus: This is also known as Orthomyxovirus with six types of viruses, such as Type A, B and C, Isa Virus, Thogoto Virus and Coronavirus. Out of these, Type A is known to cause a severe disease.
  4. Enterovirus: This virus is associated with several human and mammalian diseases, including acute respiratory infection.
  5. Respiratory syncytial virus: This virus causes respiratory tract infections in the lower respiratory tract.

Bacterial causes are as follows:

  • Bacillus anthracis
  • Bordetella pertussis
  • Corynebacterium diphtheria
  • Pneumococcus: It is a cause of meningitis and Pneumonia.
  • Streptococcus pyogenes
  • Haemophilus influenzae

Symptoms:
Few of the prominent symptoms are as follows:

  1. Itchy, watery eyes - Soreness behind eyes and often conjunctivitis
  2. Nasal discharge and congestion
  3. Sneezing
  4. Having Sore throat
  5. Coughing
  6. Severe Headache
  7. Fever
  8. Malaise
  9. Fatigue
  10. Muscle pain
  11. Diagnosis

The first thing that the doctor tends to check is the breathing pattern of the patient, followed by a number of checks:

  1. Fluid and inflammation in the lungs
  2. Nose and throat checks
  3. X-ray or CT scan would be required to check the condition of the lungs in advanced cases

There could be complications such as respiratory failure, respiratory arrest orcongestive heart failure

Treatment:
Ideally for viruses, there isn't any cure. Medications that are prescribed are for the symptoms.

  1. Cautious use of antibiotics for the symptoms can reduce adverse effects as well as decrease costs. It will also reduce drug resistance.
  2. A single oral dose of nasal decongestant used in common cold could be moderately effective to aid congestion in grown-ups for a short period.
  3. Alternate medications, such as the use of vitamin C help in the inhibition and cure of upper respiratory infections.

Prevention:

  1. Probiotics and vaccination are available for certain infections such as URTIs, Adenoviruses and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  2. Best prevention is to boost your immune system.
5987 people found this helpful

Acute Respiratory Infections: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Dr. R.S. Saini 91% (9568 ratings)
MBBS, MD - Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine Specialist, Faridabad
Acute Respiratory Infections: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Recent years have witnessed the severity of acute respiratory infections. The main cause is exposure to more of respiratory Infection causing microorganisms. Everyone is at a high risk of exposure. The infections can affect all age groups equally. Therefore, you must know all about acute respiratory infections.

Acute respiratory infections may interfere in normal breathing. The infection often starts as a viral infection in the nose, trachea (windpipe) or in the lungs. In cases of non treatment, the infection spreads to the entire respiratory system. The infections are transmissible.

Causes:
There are many respiratory infections of which causes are unknown. However, a few known viral causes are as follows:

  1. Adenoviruses: These viruses are known to have over 50 different types of viruses causing common cold, bronchitis as well as pneumonia.
  2. Rhinoviruses: These viruses cause common cold. Those individuals, be it young or old, who have a weak immune system can have an acute respiratory infection.
  3. Influenza virus: This is also known as Orthomyxovirus with six types of viruses, such as Type A, B and C, Isa Virus, Thogoto Virus and Coronavirus. Out of these, Type A is known to cause a severe disease.
  4. Enterovirus: This virus is associated with several human and mammalian diseases, including acute respiratory infection.
  5. Respiratory syncytial virus: This virus causes respiratory tract infections in the lower respiratory tract.

Bacterial causes are as follows:

  • Bacillus anthracis
  • Bordetella pertussis
  • Corynebacterium diphtheria
  • Pneumococcus: It is a cause of meningitis and Pneumonia.
  • Streptococcus pyogenes
  • Haemophilus influenzae

Symptoms:
Few of the prominent symptoms are as follows:

  1. Itchy, watery eyes - Soreness behind eyes and often conjunctivitis
  2. Nasal discharge and congestion
  3. Sneezing
  4. Having Sore throat
  5. Coughing
  6. Severe Headache
  7. Fever
  8. Malaise
  9. Fatigue
  10. Muscle pain
  11. Diagnosis

The first thing that the doctor tends to check is the breathing pattern of the patient, followed by a number of checks:

  1. Fluid and inflammation in the lungs
  2. Nose and throat checks
  3. X-ray or CT scan would be required to check the condition of the lungs in advanced cases

There could be complications such as respiratory failure, respiratory arrest or congestive heart failure

Treatment:
Ideally for viruses, there isn't any cure. Medications that are prescribed are for the symptoms.

  1. Cautious use of antibiotics for the symptoms can reduce adverse effects as well as decrease costs. It will also reduce drug resistance.
  2. A single oral dose of nasal decongestant used in common cold could be moderately effective to aid congestion in grown-ups for a short period.
  3. Alternate medications, such as the use of vitamin C help in the inhibition and cure of upper respiratory infections.

Prevention:

  1. Probiotics and vaccination are available for certain infections such as URTIs, Adenoviruses and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  2. Best prevention is to boost your immune system. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can ask a free question.
5647 people found this helpful

Acute Respiratory Infections - Know Everything About It!

Integrated Medicine Specialist, Ajmer
Acute Respiratory Infections - Know Everything About It!

Recent years have witnessed the severity of acute respiratory infections. The cause is exposure to more of respiratory Infection causing microorganisms. Everyone is at a high risk of exposure. The infections affect all age groups. Therefore, you must know all about acute respiratory infections.

Acute respiratory infections may interfere in normal breathing. The infection often starts as a viral infection in the nose, trachea (windpipe) or in the lungs. In cases of non treatment, the infection spreads to the entire respiratory system. The infections are transmissible.

Causes
There are many respiratory infections of which causes are unknown. However, a few known viral causes are as follows:

  1. Adenoviruses: These viruses are known to have over 50 different types of viruses causing common cold, bronchitis as well as pneumonia.
  2. Rhinoviruses: These viruses cause common cold. Those individuals, be it young or old, who have a weak immune system can have an acute respiratory infection.
  3. Influenza virus: This is also known as Orthomyxovirus with six types of viruses, such as Type A, B and C, Isa Virus, Thogoto Virus and Coronavirus. Out of these, Type A is known to cause a severe disease.
  4. Enterovirus: This virus is associated with several human and mammalian diseases, including acute respiratory infection.
  5. Respiratory syncytial virus: This virus causes respiratory tract infections in the lower respiratory tract.

Bacterial causes are as follows:

  • Bacillus anthracis
  • Bordetella pertussis
  • Corynebacterium diphtheria
  • Pneumococcus: It is a cause of meningitis and Pneumonia.
  • Streptococcus pyogenes
  • Haemophilus influenzae

Symptoms
Few of the prominent symptoms are as follows:

  1. Itchy, watery eyes - Soreness behind eyes and often conjunctivitis
  2. Nasal discharge and congestion
  3. Sneezing
  4. Having Sore throat
  5. Coughing
  6. Severe Headache
  7. Fever
  8. Malaise
  9. Fatigue
  10. Muscle pain
  11. Diagnosis

The first thing that the doctor tends to check is the breathing pattern of the patient, followed by a number of checks

  1. Fluid and inflammation in the lungs
  2. Nose and throat checks
  3. X-ray or CT scan would be required to check the condition of the lungs in advanced cases

There could be complications such as respiratory failure, respiratory arrest or congestive heart failure

Treatment
Ideally for viruses, there isn't any cure. Medications that are prescribed are for the symptoms.

  1. Cautious use of antibiotics for the symptoms can reduce adverse effects as well as decrease costs. It will also reduce drug resistance.
  2. A single oral dose of nasal decongestant used in common cold could be moderately effective to aid congestion in grown-ups for a short period.
  3. Alternate medications such as the use of vitamin C help in the inhibition and cure of upper respiratory infections.

Prevention
1. Probiotics and vaccination are available for certain infections such as URTIs, Adenoviruses and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
2. Best prevention is to boost your immune system.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

3275 people found this helpful

Acute Respiratory Infections: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Dr. R.S. Saini 91% (9568 ratings)
MBBS, MD - Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine Specialist, Faridabad
Acute Respiratory Infections: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Recent years have witnessed the severity of acute respiratory infections. The main cause is exposure to more of respiratory Infection causing microorganisms. Everyone is at a high risk of exposure. The infections can affect all age groups equally. Therefore, you must know all about acute respiratory infections.

Acute respiratory infections may interfere in normal breathing. The infection often starts as a viral infection in the nose, trachea (windpipe) or in the lungs. In cases of non treatment, the infection spreads to the entire respiratory system. The infections are transmissible.

Causes:
There are many respiratory infections of which causes are unknown. However, a few known viral causes are as follows:

  1. Adenoviruses: These viruses are known to have over 50 different types of viruses causing common cold, bronchitis as well as pneumonia.
  2. Rhinoviruses: These viruses cause common cold. Those individuals, be it young or old, who have a weak immune system can have an acute respiratory infection.
  3. Influenza virus: This is also known as Orthomyxovirus with six types of viruses, such as Type A, B and C, Isa Virus, Thogoto Virus and Coronavirus. Out of these, Type A is known to cause a severe disease.
  4. Enterovirus: This virus is associated with several human and mammalian diseases, including acute respiratory infection.
  5. Respiratory syncytial virus: This virus causes respiratory tract infections in the lower respiratory tract.

Bacterial causes are as follows:

  • Bacillus anthracis
  • Bordetella pertussis
  • Corynebacterium diphtheria
  • Pneumococcus: It is a cause of meningitis and Pneumonia.
  • Streptococcus pyogenes
  • Haemophilus influenzae

Symptoms:
Few of the prominent symptoms are as follows:

  1. Itchy, watery eyes - Soreness behind eyes and often conjunctivitis
  2. Nasal discharge and congestion
  3. Sneezing
  4. Having Sore throat
  5. Coughing
  6. Severe headache
  7. Fever
  8. Malaise
  9. Fatigue
  10. Muscle pain
  11. Diagnosis

The first thing that the doctor tends to check is the breathing pattern of the patient, followed by a number of checks:

  1. Fluid and inflammation in the lungs
  2. Nose and throat checks
  3. X-ray or CT scan would be required to check the condition of the lungs in advanced cases

There could be complications such as respiratory failure, respiratory arrest or congestive heart failure

Treatment:
Ideally for viruses, there isn't any cure. Medications that are prescribed are for the symptoms.

  1. Cautious use of antibiotics for the symptoms can reduce adverse effects as well as decrease costs. It will also reduce drug resistance.
  2. A single oral dose of nasal decongestant used in common cold could be moderately effective to aid congestion in grown-ups for a short period.
  3. Alternate medications, such as the use of vitamin C help in the inhibition and cure of upper respiratory infections.

Prevention:

  1. Probiotics and vaccination are available for certain infections such as URTIs, Adenoviruses and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  2. Best prevention is to boost your immune system. 

    If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a doctor.

4797 people found this helpful

Acute Respiratory Infection: Causes, Symptoms, And Diagnosis!

Dr. Arpit Gupta 91% (98 ratings)
MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, MD - General Medicine, FNIC, Fellowship in Diabetes Management
Internal Medicine Specialist, Gurgaon
Acute Respiratory Infection: Causes, Symptoms, And Diagnosis!

Recent years have witnessed the severity of acute respiratory infections. The cause is exposure to more of respiratory Infection causing microorganisms. Everyone is at a high risk of exposure. The infections affect all age groups. Therefore, you must know all about acute respiratory infections.

Acute respiratory infections may interfere in normal breathing. The infection often starts as a viral infection in the nose, trachea (windpipe) or in the lungs. In cases of non treatment, the infection spreads to the entire respiratory system. The infections are transmissible.

Causes
There are many respiratory infections of which causes are unknown. However, a few known viral causes are as follows:

1. Adenoviruses: These viruses are known to have over 50 different types of viruses causing common cold, bronchitis as well as pneumonia.
2. Rhinoviruses: These viruses cause common cold. Those individuals, be it young or old, who have a weak immune system can have an acute respiratory infection.
3. Influenza virus: This is also known as Orthomyxovirus with six types of viruses, such as Type A, B and C, Isa Virus, Thogoto Virus and Coronavirus. Out of these, Type A is known to cause a severe disease.
4. Enterovirus: This virus is associated with several human and mammalian diseases, including acute respiratory infection.
5. Respiratory syncytial virus: This virus causes respiratory tract infections in the lower respiratory tract.

Bacterial causes are as follows:
a. Bacillus anthracis
b. Bordetella pertussis
c. Corynebacterium diphtheria
d. Pneumococcus: It is a cause of meningitis and Pneumonia.
e. Streptococcus pyogenes
f. Haemophilus influenzae

Symptoms-
Few of the prominent symptoms are as follows:

1. Itchy, watery eyes - Soreness behind eyes and often conjunctivitis
2. Nasal discharge and congestion
3. Sneezing
4. Having Sore throat
5. Coughing
6. Severe Headache
7. Fever
8. Malaise
9. Fatigue
10. Muscle pain

Diagnosis-Acute Respiratory Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
The first thing that the doctor tends to check is the breathing pattern of the patient, followed by a number of checks:

1. Fluid and inflammation in the lungs
2. Nose and throat checks
3. X-ray or CT scan would be required to check the condition of the lungs in advanced cases
There could be complications such as respiratory failure, respiratory arrest or congestive heart failure

Treatment-
Ideally for viruses, there isn't any cure. Medications that are prescribed are for the symptoms:

1. Cautious use of antibiotics for the symptoms can reduce adverse effects as well as decrease costs. It will also reduce drug resistance.
2. A single oral dose of nasal decongestant used in common cold could be moderately effective to aid congestion in grown-ups for a short period.
3. Alternate medications such as the use of vitamin C help in the inhibition and cure of upper respiratory infections.

Prevention-
1. Probiotics and vaccination are available for certain infections such as URTIs, Adenoviruses and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
2. Best prevention is to boost your immune system.

4297 people found this helpful

Acute Respiratory Infections - Know Everything About It!

Dr. M Wali 86% (45 ratings)
MBBS, MD - Medicine, FACC, FRCP
Internal Medicine Specialist, Delhi
Acute Respiratory Infections - Know Everything About It!

Recent years have witnessed the severity of acute respiratory infections. The main cause is exposure to more of respiratory Infection causing microorganisms. Everyone is at a high risk of exposure. The infections can affect all age groups equally. Therefore, you must know all about acute respiratory infections.

Acute respiratory infections may interfere in normal breathing. The infection often starts as a viral infection in the nose, trachea (windpipe) or in the lungs. In cases of non treatment, the infection spreads to the entire respiratory system. The infections are transmissible.

Causes:
There are many respiratory infections of which causes are unknown. However, a few known viral causes are as follows:

  1. Adenoviruses: These viruses are known to have over 50 different types of viruses causing common coldbronchitis as well as pneumonia.
  2. Rhinoviruses: These viruses cause common cold. Those individuals, be it young or old, who have a weak immune system can have an acute respiratory infection.
  3. Influenza virus: This is also known as Orthomyxovirus with six types of viruses, such as Type A, B and C, Isa Virus, Thogoto Virus and Coronavirus. Out of these, Type A is known to cause a severe disease.
  4. Enterovirus: This virus is associated with several human and mammalian diseases, including acute respiratory infection.
  5. Respiratory syncytial virus: This virus causes respiratory tract infections in the lower respiratory tract.

Bacterial causes are as follows:

  • Bacillus anthracis
  • Bordetella pertussis
  • Corynebacterium diphtheria
  • Pneumococcus: It is a cause of meningitis and Pneumonia.
  • Streptococcus pyogenes
  • Haemophilus influenzae

Symptoms:
Few of the prominent symptoms are as follows:

  1. Itchy, watery eyes - Soreness behind eyes and often conjunctivitis
  2. Nasal discharge and congestion
  3. Sneezing
  4. Having Sore throat
  5. Coughing
  6. Severe Headache
  7. Fever
  8. Malaise
  9. Fatigue
  10. Muscle pain
  11. Diagnosis

The first thing that the doctor tends to check is the breathing pattern of the patient, followed by a number of checks:

  1. Fluid and inflammation in the lungs
  2. Nose and throat checks
  3. X-ray or CT scan would be required to check the condition of the lungs in advanced cases

There could be complications such as respiratory failure, respiratory arrest or congestive heart failure

Treatment:
Ideally for viruses, there isn't any cure. Medications that are prescribed are for the symptoms.

  1. Cautious use of antibiotics for the symptoms can reduce adverse effects as well as decrease costs. It will also reduce drug resistance.
  2. A single oral dose of nasal decongestant used in common cold could be moderately effective to aid congestion in grown-ups for a short period.
  3. Alternate medications, such as the use of vitamin C help in the inhibition and cure of upper respiratory infections.

Prevention:

  1. Probiotics and vaccination are available for certain infections such as URTIs, Adenoviruses and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  2. Best prevention is to boost your immune system.
3725 people found this helpful

All About Acute Respiratory Infections

Dr. Ashutosh Kumar 91% (260 ratings)
MD - General Medicine, DTM & H
Internal Medicine Specialist, Motihari
All About Acute Respiratory Infections

Recent years have witnessed the severity of acute respiratory infections. The main cause is exposure to more of respiratory Infection causing microorganisms. Everyone is at a high risk of exposure. The infections can affect all age groups equally. Therefore, you must know all about acute respiratory infections.

Acute respiratory infections may interfere in normal breathing. The infection often starts as a viral infection in the nose, trachea (windpipe) or in the lungs. In cases of non treatment, the infection spreads to the entire respiratory system. The infections are transmissible.

Causes:
There are many respiratory infections of which causes are unknown. However, a few known viral causes are as follows:

  1. Adenoviruses: These viruses are known to have over 50 different types of viruses causing common cold, bronchitis as well as pneumonia.
  2. Rhinoviruses: These viruses cause common cold. Those individuals, be it young or old, who have a weak immune system can have an acute respiratory infection.
  3. Influenza virus: This is also known as Orthomyxovirus with six types of viruses, such as Type A, B and C, Isa Virus, Thogoto Virus and Coronavirus. Out of these, Type A is known to cause a severe disease.
  4. Enterovirus: This virus is associated with several human and mammalian diseases, including acute respiratory infection.
  5. Respiratory syncytial virus: This virus causes respiratory tract infections in the lower respiratory tract.

Bacterial causes are as follows:

  • Bacillus anthracis
  • Bordetella pertussis
  • Corynebacterium diphtheria
  • Pneumococcus: It is a cause of meningitis and Pneumonia.
  • Streptococcus pyogenes
  • Haemophilus influenzae

Symptoms:
Few of the prominent symptoms are as follows:

  1. Itchy, watery eyes - Soreness behind eyes and often conjunctivitis
  2. Nasal discharge and congestion
  3. Sneezing
  4. Having Sore throat
  5. Coughing
  6. Severe Headache
  7. Fever
  8. Malaise
  9. Fatigue
  10. Muscle pain
  11. Diagnosis

The first thing that the doctor tends to check is the breathing pattern of the patient, followed by a number of checks:

  1. Fluid and inflammation in the lungs
  2. Nose and throat checks
  3. X-ray or CT scan would be required to check the condition of the lungs in advanced cases

There could be complications such as respiratory failure, respiratory arrest or congestive heart failure

Treatment:
Ideally for viruses, there isn't any cure. Medications that are prescribed are for the symptoms.

  1. Cautious use of antibiotics for the symptoms can reduce adverse effects as well as decrease costs. It will also reduce drug resistance.
  2. A single oral dose of nasal decongestant used in common cold could be moderately effective to aid congestion in grown-ups for a short period.
  3. Alternate medications, such as the use of vitamin C help in the inhibition and cure of upper respiratory infections.

Prevention:

  1. Probiotics and vaccination are available for certain infections such as URTIs, Adenoviruses and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  2. Best prevention is to boost your immune system.
4970 people found this helpful