The body parts and organs that are involved in helping you breathe is generally called the respiratory tract.
Your respiratory system consists of your nose and nasal cavity, mouth, sinuses, voice box (larynx), throat (pharynx), diaphragm, trachea, lungs, bronchioles, Bronchial tubes/bronchi, capillaries, and air sacs.
You inhale air into the nose or mouth. The air travels down to your throat and into the windpipe. These are divided into airways called bronchial tubes. These tubes pass through your lungs and are divided into smaller passages called Bronchioles. At the end of these, are alveoli are the tiny balloon-like air sacs.
Then, the oxygen you inhaled passes into the blood through the tiny vessels called capillaries. The blood goes to the heart. The heart then pumps it throughout the body to the cells of your tissues and organs.
The cells use the oxygen and make carbon dioxide where the blood carries it back to your lungs. When you exhale, carbon dioxide is released from your body.
Respiratory Tract Infection
Bacteria and viruses can be anywhere. They can easily get into your body through the nose or mouth. Thus, making the respiratory tract vulnerable to infection.
Children tend to get more infections than adults. Their bodies have not yet strongly built up immunity to many germs.
Respiratory Tract Infections can occur at any time and are common in changing weather.
If you are infected, you may transmit the infection. The tiny droplets when you sneeze or cough carry the virus. And when people touch the surface with the droplets, the virus can be passed to anyone.
Kinds of Respiratory Tract Infection (Nature and Symptoms)
Most respiratory tract infections display a common symptom, coughing. As it builds up and goes severe, it brings to phlegm and mucus.
Here are different kinds of Respiratory Tract Infections you should be aware of:
Common Cold
This infection affects the entire upper respiratory system. The virus that enters your nose or throat triggers an immune response. Your body may feel down as you fight the virus that causes congestion in the local area.
- Symptoms
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Mucus dripping from your nose
- Stuffy and blocked nose
- Fatigue
Pharyngitis
Commonly known as sore throat, pharyngitis is the inflammation of the pharynx. It is the part of the throat behind the mouth and nose.
Symptoms
- Difficulty in swallowing that often results in loss of appetite
- Scratchy throat
- Sneezing and runny nose
- Cough
- Headache
- Fatigue, body aches
- Fever
- Redness of the throat due to inflammation
This kind of respiratory tract infection is usually caused by a virus. This type of infection doesn’t respond to antibiotics. To get the necessary treatment, it is best to consult your doctor.
Laryngitis
This is often confused with pharyngitis. Laryngitis is the inflammation of your voice box, named larynx. This is normally a result of viral infection, but when you overuse voice this occurs.
Symptoms
- A hoarse voice that can lead to loss of voice
- Sore throat
- Tickling sensation and rawness in your throat
- Dry cough
- Dry throat
Resting your voice can manage most cases of laryngitis. If it lasts more than two weeks, call your doctor for medical assistance.
Sinusitis
Sinuses are hollow spaces within the passage of the nose. If these are infected, Sinusitis occurs.
Symptoms
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Thick mucus discharge
- Cough
- Pain and pressure in your face
- Headaches
- Loss of smell and taste
- Rhinitis
- Rhinitis is the inflammation of your nose.
- Symptoms
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Red and Watery eyes
- Congested nose
If you experience any of the symptoms, it is best to drink plenty of water and have a good rest.
However, to avoid any complications, it is advised to consult your doctor. You may go to a walk-in clinic Hamilton or schedule an online visit.
When you are in pain, the least you want to do is travel, especially in the middle of the night. You don’t want to add more inconvenience to the pain you’re experiencing from an infection.
Technology has enabled consultations online. Doctors can be reached anytime without stepping out of your home. You can save a lot of your time and still get a similar clinic experience.
A doctor can examine, diagnose and provide treatment through online visits using your smartphone, tablet or computer. You can avail of online consultations seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
The risk of COVID-19 is still out there. Finding a doctor online will avoid the risk of adding complications.
Prevention is better than cure. Avoid the circumstances of respiratory tract infection by having proper hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly. Vaccines are also available in shots. You can ask your doctor for the details.
The immune system is your body’s defence against any infection and illness. A healthy lifestyle that includes healthy meals and exercise can help boost and build up the immune system.