Upper respiratory tract infections; represents bacterial and viral diseases affecting the throat, nose, respiratory tract, sinuses and lungs. Bacteria or viruses that cause infection enter the body and invade healthy tissues and cause disease there. Upper respiratory tract infections are common viral diseases and their symptoms persist for an average of 3 weeks. Upper respiratory tract infection is a disease that can be overcome more easily with drug treatments, natural supplements and rest. By following the rest of the article, you can find detailed answers to questions such as "What is upper respiratory tract infections?", "What are the ways of prevention and treatment?" p> Upper respiratory tract infection, also known as URTI in medicine, is a type of respiratory disease. It occurs when the tissues and organs of the airways in the area where the inhaled air reaches the lungs become inflamed. Upper respiratory infection in children and adults is usually caused by rhinoviruses. Rhinoviruses can also cause the common cold and flu. Other than rhinovirus, some of the other viruses that cause upper respiratory tract infections are influenza, coronavirus and adenovirus. URTIs can be caused by some bacteria as well as viruses. The most common of these bacteria is the bacteria called strep.
Upper Respiratory Diseases
Upper respiratory tract diseases show involvement in the upper respiratory parts of the body such as the nose, throat, bronchi, and sinus. Knowing where the infection has developed is important for the treatment to be applied. The diseases that occur according to the places where upper respiratory tract infections are involved are as follows:
Influenza Influenza is a viral disease caused by the influenza virus. Influenza, which is frequently encountered in upper respiratory tract infections, can become serious in some cases that reduce body resistance. Especially in the risk group; It can adversely affect the elderly, people with chronic diseases, pregnant women and children. People in this group may need to have a regular flu vaccine every year, with the recommendation of a doctor, in order to become immune to the flu. Since the disease is not caused by bacteria, it does not respond to antibiotic treatments. . A good rest, plenty of fluid consumption and nutritional supplements that increase immune resistance may be beneficial in the treatment of influenza. Rhinitis can be caused most often by allergens such as pollen, mites, fluff and dust. Rhinitis usually causes nasal congestion, discharge, itching and swelling. In addition to these, swelling-bruising under the eyes and watering of the eyes can be seen. Sinusitis is one of the diseases seen in upper respiratory tract diseases and is characterized by symptoms such as nasal congestion and changes in voice tone. Other common symptoms include nasal discharge, swelling of the cheekbone and nose area, pain in the forehead area, snoring and headache due to the inability to breathe through the nose during sleep.
BronchitisBronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes. It is seen as a result of bacteria or allergens that cause upper respiratory tract infection, surrounding the bronchi, increasing and thickening the mucosa. Patients often have cough, sputum, fever, frequent inflammation of the lungs and persistent weakness.
PharangitisPharangitis is an infectious disease seen in the throat and pharynx. It can develop due to bacteria or virus. In pharyngitis, difficulty in swallowing, pain in the throat, hoarseness or tickling cough can be seen mostly due to irritation in the throat and pharynx.
LaryngitisLaryngitis is an inflammation of the vocal cords and larynx. Laryngitis is usually caused by bacteria. Apart from bacteria, laryngitis can also be caused by irritation of the vocal cords, such as talking, shouting, or singing too much. The most basic symptom is hoarseness.
Otitis Media Otitis Media, also known as otitis media, is fluid accumulation and inflammation in the posterior region of the eardrum. Otitis, which is common among children, is not contagious. The most common symptom is ear pain.
Pneumonia Pneumonia is an advanced disease of upper respiratory tract infection. your lung tissue It is the condition that the flour becomes inflamed as a result of virus or bacteria and progresses to the lungs. It is a life-threatening disease that is mostly seen in children and elderly people. Symptoms such as chest pain, cough, and high fever are usually seen in pneumonia.
Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Upper respiratory tract disease is a discomfort that increases especially in winter months with the cold weather. Upper respiratory tract infection is mostly transmitted from closed, crowded, poorly ventilated environments. Acute upper respiratory tract infection, on the other hand, refers to a situation in which symptoms develop suddenly and progress rapidly. Some common symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections are:
- Congested or runny nose
- Cough (with phlegm or dry)
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Joint and muscle aches
- High fever
- General malaise
- Fatigue, weakness
- Chest pain and wheezing (in later periods)
What is Good for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection?
Top Respiratory tract infection can be healed in a short time with some medications used with the advice of a doctor and treatment methods to be applied at home. However, respiratory tract infection that does not go away despite various treatment methods can lead to an advanced microbial condition in the blood or lung damage. For this reason, if these diseases continue for a long time, a doctor's visit is required without wasting time. Some of the treatment methods applied in upper respiratory tract infections are as follows:
- Painkillers and antipyretic drugs used with doctor's recommendation
- Decongestant nasal sprays for nasal congestion and runny
- Gargling with warm salty or carbonated water, which has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties for throat ailments
- To keep the body resistance high, to consume foods rich in vitamin C and zinc
- Mucus drinking plenty of water for relief and nasal discharge
- Drinking cough and expectorant herbal teas
- Adding honey, known for its cough, body resistance and throat softening properties, to herbal teas or consuming directly
- Taking a warm shower to reduce or control a fever
- Using a high pillow to breathe comfortably during sleep and to prevent a runny nose
- Get as much rest as possible during the illness
Protection Ways for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
The places with the highest risk of transmission of upper respiratory tract infections are closed areas. Droplets dispersed by sneezing, coughing and talking can infect other people and cause upper respiratory tract infection. Apart from this, actions such as hand contact and hugging and kissing are other factors that can cause upper respiratory tract infection. Some of the ways of protection from upper respiratory tract infections can be listed as follows:
- Not being in closed and crowded environments for long hours
- To ensure that the environment is ventilated frequently
- Using a mask in closed places
- Washing or disinfecting hands frequently
- Regular cleaning of contact areas
- Eating antioxidant-heavy
- Consuming plenty of fluids
- Staying away from smoking and alcohol use
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