Common Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Common Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

• Cold: A viral infection that causes sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and mild fever.
• Cold Transmission: Through close contact with an infected individual or contact with contaminated surfaces and objects.
• Cold Treatment: Over-the-counter medications, rest, and hydration.

Influenza (Flu)

• Flu: A contagious illness caused by the influenza virus.
• Flu Symptoms: Chills, fever, runny nose, muscle pains, severe headache, and general discomfort.
• Flu Transmission: Spread through person to person contact, and contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.
• Flu Treatment: Antiviral medications, rest, and hydration.

Pneumonia

• Pneumonia: An infection in the lungs caused by microorganisms like Streptococcal pneumonia.
• Pneumonia Symptoms: Chills, fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and worsening cough.
• Pneumonia Diagnosis: Chest X-ray, blood, and sputum tests.
• Pneumonia Treatment: Antibiotics, paracetamol to reduce fever, drinking fluids, oxygen therapy, intravenous liquids, and physiotherapy.
• Pneumonia Prevention: Breastfeeding, quitting smoking, maintaining a well-ventilated home, vaccination, handwashing, and avoiding contact with infected individuals.

Tuberculosis

• Tuberculosis: An infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• Tuberculosis Symptoms: Coughing, bloody sputum, weight loss, fatigue, low-grade fever, and loss of appetite.
• Tuberculosis Diagnosis: Skin test, blood and sputum tests, chest X-ray, and other tests such as breath, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid tests.
• Tuberculosis Treatment: It may be treated over a period of 4-6 months with antibiotics and antiviral drugs. Adherence to prescribed medication, rest, and hydration are crucial.

Respiratory Disorders

• Asthma: A chronic allergic condition that causes breathing difficulties, wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing.

• Asthma Prevalence: Affects 12% of the Philippine population.

• Asthma Severity: Can be life-threatening.

• Asthma Treatment: Involves bronchodilators, nebulizers, and short-term doses of corticosteroids.

• Bronchitis: Causes difficulty breathing and coughing with phlegm.

• Bronchitis Causes: Viral lung infections, industrial pollutants.

• Bronchitis Types: Can be acute or chronic

• Emphysema: A long-term disease in the lungs that causes difficulty and pain during breathing, and shortness of breath.

This quiz covers essential information about common upper respiratory tract infections, including the cold, influenza, and pneumonia. You will explore symptoms, transmission methods, and treatments associated with each condition. Test your knowledge on these prevalent illnesses!