CONDITIONS
Upper and Lower Respiratory Tract Infection
What are upper and lower respiratory tract infections?
Upper tract respiratory infections are infections that occur above the larynx, while lower respiratory tract infections happen in airways below the larynx. Lower respiratory tract infections include bronchiolitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and tuberculosis. Upper respiratory tract infections are the common cold, sinusitis, tonsillitis and laryngitis.
What are the causes?
Bacteria, viruses like RSV and influenza and fungus are some of the causes of lower respiratory tract infections. Environmental factors such as air pollution, chemicals, dust and allergens increase the risk of infection.
Viruses or bacteria can infiltrate the upper airway’s mucous membrane. Bacteria and viruses have to fight through an impenetrable immunological barrier. First, the hair lining in the nose traps invading pathogens, and the mucous inside the nasal cavity engulfs them. Tonsils and adenoids in the upper part of the respiratory tract are vital in assisting the immune system in fighting against foreign microbes or viruses.
Despite our physical and immune barriers, some pathogens can adapt to overcome the body’s line of defence.
How do children get it?
Viral respiratory tract infections spread through touch. When children come into contact with an infected person’s mucous, they can touch their eyes and nose and become infected with the virus.
What are the symptoms?
Lower respiratory tract infection symptoms are:
- High fever
- Cough with phlegm
- Trouble breathing
- Chest tightness
- Bluish skin
- Wheeze
Upper respiratory tract infection symptoms are:
- Sore throat and cough
- Congested nose
- Migraine
- Mild fever
What does a diagnosis entail?
Through the use of a stethoscope, the paediatrician can check for abnormal, fast breathing. A chest x-ray, mucous samples and blood tests are additional tests to confirm viruses or bacteria, causing respiratory infections.
How do you treat upper respiratory tract and lower respiratory tract infections?
Certain lower respiratory tract infections subside without treatment. Over-the-counter or prescription medicines relieve cough and fever. Getting adequate sleep and drinking plenty of liquids relieves any discomfort.
What is the result?
Doctors monitor the progress of children. In some cases, symptoms may be so severe that patients require antibiotic treatment and intravenous fluids. Infants may need breathing support, and younger children require an inhaler, especially if the infection is a bad one.
What does prevention for upper respiratory tract and lower respiratory tract infections entail?
Encourage children to wash their hands regularly and stop touching their faces with unclean hands. Children must receive MMR and pneumococcal vaccines to reduce their risk of respiratory infections.
Takeaway
Upper and lower respiratory tract infections affect the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms of upper and lower respiratory tract infections are fever, cough and wheeze. Treatment of respiratory tract infections includes antibiotics, medicine to relieve a cough and an inhaler in severe cases.
Disclaimer
This information is for educative purposes only and is meant to be read by parents after their child has seen their medical practitioner.
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?
Difficulty breathing
Cough that won’t go away, especially if longer than 2 weeks
Wheezing
Blue skin
For these warning signs, seek urgent medical attention.
DO NOT DELAY CARE
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What is a paediatrician?
A paediatrician is a doctor who has specialised in medical care for children from birth to their teenage years. Paediatricians diagnose and manage both acute and chronic conditions in children, ranging from allergies, infections and injuries to behavioural and learning problems.