Respiratory Infections Overview

A type of respiratory infection that affects the upper part of the respiratory system, including the sinuses and throat.

Common causes of URTI include viruses and bacteria that enter the respiratory system through contact with infected surfaces or individuals.

Groups of people at higher risk of catching URTIs include children, individuals with weakened immune systems, and those with heart or lung problems.

Diagnosis of URTI is typically based on physical examination and a review of symptoms. However, tests like a chest X-ray, nasal swab, or throat swab may be needed if other conditions are suspected.

Common symptoms of URTI include coughing, fever, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. These usually resolve within one to two weeks.

While URTIs are often caused by viruses and don't respond to antibiotics, bacterial infections like strep throat might require treatment with antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin.

A type of cancer that affects the larynx, the part of your throat responsible for breathing, swallowing, and speaking. It's characterized by uncontrollable cell growth in the larynx.

Laryngeal cancer can develop in any of the three parts of the larynx: supraglottis, glottis, and subglottis. The glottis, where the vocal cords are located, is the most common site for laryngeal cancer.

Symptoms of laryngeal cancer often include persistent sore throat or cough, voice changes, difficulty swallowing, neck or throat lump, and ear pain.

Certain types of HPV, smoking, alcohol consumption, age, sex, and occupational exposure to specific substances are factors that can increase your risk of developing laryngeal cancer.

Diagnosis of laryngeal cancer typically involves a physical exam, reviewing medical history, and imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans. Laryngoscopy, a procedure to examine the larynx using a thin, lighted tube, is also commonly employed. A biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of laryngeal cancer may involve radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and/or surgery. The specific approach depends on the stage and type of cancer.

A common lung disease characterized by restricted airflow and breathing problems, leading to difficulty breathing and chronic cough. It's often referred to as emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

The main causes of COPD are smoking and exposure to air pollution. However, other factors like occupational exposure, indoor air pollution, early life events, and genetic predisposition can also contribute.

COPD develops gradually over time, often as a result of multiple risk factors. These include smoking, exposure to dusts or chemicals, indoor air pollution, early life events, and genetic predisposition.

COPD symptoms include difficulty breathing, chronic cough with phlegm, and feeling tired. These symptoms may worsen during flare-ups, requiring additional medical attention.

Diagnosis of COPD typically involves a breathing test called spirometry to measure lung function. However, this test may not always be available, leading to potential missed diagnoses.

While COPD is not curable, management includes lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and avoiding air pollution. Treatment may involve medications, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and potentially surgery.

A type of COPD characterized by damage to the air sacs in the lungs, causing them to lose their elasticity and become floppy. This makes it difficult for the lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.

The primary cause of emphysema is long-term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke, secondhand smoke, air pollution, and chemical fumes. Genetic predisposition, particularly alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, can also contribute.

Individuals with a history of smoking, especially those with a family history of COPD, are at higher risk of developing emphysema.

Symptoms of emphysema may initially be mild or absent, but as the disease progresses, symptoms such as frequent coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, especially during physical activity, chest tightness, and recurrent respiratory infections can occur.

Diagnosis of emphysema involves a medical history, physical exam, and tests such as lung function tests, chest x-ray, CT scan, and blood tests.

There is no cure for emphysema, but treatments like lifestyle changes, medications, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and potentially surgery can help manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve overall well-being.

Inflammation of the large airways in the lungs, causing a cough that can be either dry or produce phlegm. It can be acute or chronic, with acute bronchitis usually caused by a viral infection and chronic bronchitis being a type of COPD often linked to smoking.

Bronchitis is typically caused by viral infections, spread through the air or contact with contaminated surfaces. Bacterial infections can also contribute.

Factors that increase the risk of bronchitis include older age, young children, exposure to irritating chemicals, smoking, other lung conditions like asthma, weakened immune systems, and lack of vaccination against influenza, pneumococcal disease, or whooping cough.

Diagnosis of bronchitis is usually based on a physical exam and reviewing symptoms. Tests like a chest x-ray or nose swab may be performed to rule out other infections.

Treatment for bronchitis typically involves self-care measures like staying hydrated, getting rest, using over-the-counter pain relievers, and avoiding irritants. Honey can help soothe a cough, but it shouldn't be given to children under 12 months old.