A guide to respiratory infections

Winter approaches on swift winds which means it’s the perfect time to be prepared for respiratory infections, which affect the throat, sinuses, airways, and lungs. Rattling coughs, running noses, feelings of congestion and fogginess – all common characteristics of respiratory tract infections. We spoke to a leading consultant pulmonologist to tell us about respiratory tract infections, and how to know when cough syrup won’t be enough.

Respiratory tract infections (RTI) are very common and not usually dangerous; most can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications. Virus-caused RTIs will ideally clear up after a couple of weeks at most, whereas bacterial infections like pneumonia will need antibiotics to fight the infection that will be prescribed by the doctor.

How are RTIs caused and what kinds are there?

Respiratory tract infections tend to be contagious and viral, and be contracted via the mouth, nose and eyes. This can happen after not washing the hands after interacting with infected people or contaminated surfaces and being around someone when they cough or sneeze without covering their mouth.

RTIs can be in the upper tract, meaning sinuses and throat, or lower tract, meaning airways and lungs, which tend to be more serious.

Upper respiratory infections:

• Cold
• Laryngitis
• Sinusitis
• Pharyngitis

Lower respiratory infections:

• Bronchitis
• Chest infection
• Pneumonia

Both COVID-19 and influenza infections affect the upper tract, lower tract, and more of the body, so they cannot be categorised as either upper or lower respiratory infections.

How are RTIs diagnosed and what are the symptoms?

RTIs are diagnosed by the doctor checking the sound of the lungs and how their functionality has been impacted, assessing the sinuses, and looking into the throat, ears, and nose. A more thorough examination, if the doctor believes the condition is serious, would involve an X-ray or CT scan of the lungs and taking swabs of the nose or throat which will be sent for laboratory analysis to look for pathogens and bacteria.

The typical symptoms of a RTI are:

• coughing, either wet (with mucus or phlegm) or dry
• frequent sneezing
• a stuffy or runny nose
• a sore or itchy throat, swollen lymph nodes
• headaches and muscle aches
• breathlessness, wheezing
• high temperature, fever
• wooziness

There are symptoms and characteristics of the patient that indicate the infection is more dangerous and may necessitate medical attention, such as:

• coughing up blood or bloody mucus
• lasting for longer than two weeks
• being over the age of 65
• being younger than the age of five
• having a weakened immune system
• loss of consciousness
• high fever
• vomiting
• having asthma
• already dealing with a preexisting illness like diabetes or cancer

How are RTIs treated?.

Vaccines can help avoid RTIs, so it is a good idea to keep on top of inoculations yearly or at a recommended frequency. Ways to avoid contracting and transmitting RTIs are to maintain good hygiene by washing hands often, minimising touching the face and rubbing the eyes, wearing a mask in crowded spaces, and covering the mouth when coughing and sneezing.

Pharmacists can recommend decongestants, lozenges, cough syrups, and nasal sprays to ease discomfort from the symptoms. Some medicines will have paracetamol or ibuprofen for any pain or headaches, which can help if patients are struggling to sleep whilst ill. Pneumonia and more grave infections are treated with antibiotics and other medications that can only be diagnosed by a doctor.

If you have contracted a respiratory tract infection, or are experiencing breathing issues, book a pulmonary specialist today on Top Doctors.