Respiratory infections are a common, contagious illness that mostly affects the nose, throat, and lungs. They can range from a mild, cough-like illness to a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Even though respiratory infections are highly contagious, they are not always easy to spread; people in the same household can resist transmission. In the vast majority of cases, respiratory infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, although bacteria and viruses are the most common of the three.

They are the most common type of infection in children and can cause coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms. They are generally mild and get better on their own, but some require medical intervention, such as antibiotics, to treat.

Risk factors for respiratory infections include:

– Smoking
– A weakened immune system
– Age
– Air pollutants
– Dust
– Acid reflux
– Harmful gases from chemicals

The symptoms of a respiratory infection depend on the type of infection as well as the area affected, such as the lungs, throat, or nasal cavities. However, common symptoms include:

– Cough
– Fever
– Hoarse voice
– Fatigue and lack of energy
– Red eyes
– Runny nose
– Sore throat
– Swollen lymph nodes

Respiratory infections are classified into two main categories, depending on which area they affect; these include upper and lower respiratory infections.

Upper respiratory infections affect the uppermost organs of the respiratory tract, including the sinuses and throat. Infections of the upper respiratory tract include:

– Common cold
– Epiglottitis
– Laryngitis
– Pharyngitis (sore throat)
– Sinusitis (sinus infection)

Lower respiratory infections occur in the lower region of the respiratory tract, including the airways and lungs. Lower respiratory infections generally last longer than upper respiratory infections and are more serious. These infections include:

– Bronchitis is a lung infection that causes coughing and fever
– Bronchiolitis, another type of lung infection
– Chest infection
– Pneumonia

In the majority of cases, respiratory infections are not dangerous and clear up on their own with basic at-home care. However, there are certain signs and symptoms to be aware of that indicate a more serious condition; these symptoms should receive immediate medical care and include:

– Loss of consciousness
– High fever (higher than 103ºF)
– Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
– Frequent, severe coughing, which may accompany vomiting
– Wheezing (a high-pitched whistling sound when exhaling)
– Dizziness
– Retractions occur when there is a deeper outline of the ribcage or ribs than normal; this is typically more obvious in children
– Stridor, a harsh, raspy vibration when breathing; this is more common in children than it is in adults, although it can be present in any age group
– Symptoms that last longer than two weeks
– Symptoms do not improve with at-home care

If you are exhibiting the signs of a respiratory infection, do not delay care; come to League Health today. Call us or book an appointment with our respiratory infection specialist, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 23541 Westheimer Parkway, Suite 160, Katy TX 77494. We serve patients from Katy TX, Cinco Ranch TX, Richmond TX, Houston TX, Cypress TX, Fulshear TX, Memorial City TX, and Sugarland TX and surrounding areas. We look forward to serving you!