Acute respiratory infection Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Acute respiratory infection is an infection that occurs in one or more parts of the respiratory tract. This includes the nose, pharynx (throat or the junction of the nose and throat), larynx (larynx), sinuses, throat, windpipe (bronchi), to the lungs, which lasts less than three weeks.
Generally, acute respiratory infections are further divided into upper respiratory tract infections, which include infections of the nose, sinuses, and throat; and infections of the lower respiratory tract, which include infections of the bronchi and lungs.
Symptom
Symptoms of acute respiratory infections generally appear about one to three days after an individual is exposed to a virus or bacteria. These signs and symptoms can vary from person to person, which are usually in the form of:
- Cold or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Body aches
- Headache
- Sneezes
- Mild fever
- feverish
- Decreased appetite
Symptoms that generally occur in infections that affect the upper respiratory tract are coughing, headaches, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and a feeling of aches. As in the upper respiratory tract, lower respiratory tract infections can also be characterized by a cough, which is usually more disturbing and is accompanied by phlegm.
Other symptoms of a lower respiratory tract infection can include increased breathing rate, shortness of breath or wheezing.
Reason
The infection can be caused by viruses or bacteria. One of the most common types of acute respiratory infections is the common cold, which is characterized by symptoms of cough and runny nose.
Acute respiratory infections can be transmitted in several ways. Someone who has an acute respiratory infection can transmit viruses or bacteria through droplets when they cough or sneeze, which are then inhaled by other people.
In addition, transmission can also occur through indirect contact. For example, someone who has an infection touches their nose or eyes before handling an object or the surface of an object, the virus can be transmitted to other people who touch the object or surface of that object afterward.
Diagnosis
the determination of the diagnosis of acute respiratory infections is generally carried out based on medical interviews and direct physical examinations. If the examining doctor requires further information, blood laboratory tests and chest X-rays can be carried out to determine the most appropriate treatment.
Treatment
Treatment of acute respiratory infections depends on the cause and symptoms experienced. Some of the treatment steps that are generally recommended by doctors are:
- Providing fever-reducing and pain-relieving drugs to deal with complaints of fever, headaches, and body aches.
- Administration of cough suppressants to treat cough complaints. The choice of cough medicine can be different for each person depending on the type of cough experienced.
- Giving cold complaints relievers that can be given orally (taken by mouth) or through nasal sprays.
- If the infection is caused by bacteria, the doctor can also prescribe antibiotics.
Prevention
One easy and effective way to prevent transmission of acute respiratory infections is to practice good personal hygiene. Among them by washing hands with soap regularly.
In addition, live a healthy lifestyle with a balanced nutritional diet, routinely do the right and good physical activity, and maintain the immune system to avoid infection.