Guide To The Most Common Respiratory Illnesses

Respiratory illnesses are incredibly common. In fact, they are some of the most common illnesses diagnosed in the United States. Some individuals may be genetically predisposed toward certain respiratory conditions. Age and gender can also impact a patient's risk of developing these conditions. Individuals may also be more likely to experience a respiratory illness if they live in a highly polluted area or work with toxic fumes without wearing personal protective equipment. Some respiratory illnesses are contagious, which means that individuals can catch them easily from others, triggering an outbreak. Healthcare workers are also at a higher risk if they do not have personal protective equipment.

Treatment for respiratory illnesses depends on which one an individual has. For instance, many patients will take bronchitis medication, such as an acute bronchitis throat lozenge. Medicine for pneumonia is also common. However, cold and flu treatment is often restricted to pain and fever medication as well as home remedies for the flu. Herbal remedies for the common cold are also available. Thus, the best treatment merits understanding the most common respiratory illnesses.

Bronchitis

The bronchial tubes move air in and out of the lungs. Bronchitis occurs when the lining of these tubes becomes inflamed. Some patients have acute bronchitis. This tends to resolve in seven to ten days. However, patients may continue to cough for multiple weeks. Other individuals develop chronic bronchitis, which has recurring episodes. The most common signs of bronchitis are a cough and the production of mucus. The mucus might be green, gray-yellow, or clear. In rare cases, it may be blood-streaked. Patients also tend to experience chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and fatigue. There may be chills accompanying a fever.

Acute bronchitis may develop as a result of a common cold. The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is smoking, which leads to constant inflammation and irritation. Chronic bronchitis is one symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is one of the most common conditions that smokers face.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition. It causes airways to swell and narrow. Asthma patients may cough, have difficulty breathing, experience a whistling sound when they breathe, and deal with general shortness of breath. Asthma attacks may involve the production of excess mucus. Some cases may be relatively minor and easily treated. On the other hand, some individuals have asthma that is severe enough to interfere with their day-to-day life. Asthma attacks can be life-threatening if patients do not have a rescue inhaler or access to immediate medical attention.

There is no cure for asthma. However, patients can control their symptoms. Asthma often changes as time goes on. Thus, patients need to stay in frequent contact with their doctors and adjust their treatment as their symptoms change. Some types of asthma flare when exposed to certain conditions. With exercise-induced asthma, individuals may have asthma attacks when they work out or when the air is dry and cold. Chemical irritants and substances in an individual's workplace can trigger occupational asthma.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia occurs when an infection causes inflammation in the air sacs in the lungs. It may affect both lungs or only one. The affected air sacs might fill up with pus or fluid, leading to a productive cough, difficulty breathing, chills, and a fever. Several organisms can cause pneumonia, including fungi, viruses, and bacteria. Some cases of pneumonia are mild, though others can be life-threatening. Pneumonia is more likely to be serious in seniors and individuals with certain underlying conditions. This includes a weakened immune system, respiratory issues, or mobility issues.

Pneumonia patients may experience chest pain with breathing and coughing, fatigue, a fever, and a cough that produces phlegm. Some individuals may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. In adults over sixty-four years old, pneumonia may cause changes in mental awareness and confusion. It may cause a lower than average body temperature in seniors and those with weak immune systems.

Influenza

Influenza, another respiratory illness, is caused by a virus. The infection affects the throat, lungs, and nose. Though influenza is commonly referred to as the flu, it is not the stomach flu, which leads to vomiting and diarrhea. Most cases of the flu resolve without needing treatment. However, sometimes influenza can have deadly complications, especially for patients in certain risk groups.

Individuals may be at a higher risk of experiencing complications if they are older than sixty-five or younger than five. They are also at risk if they live in a nursing home, are pregnant, have a weakened immune system, have a chronic illness, or are obese. Women may be susceptible to complications if they have given birth in the past two weeks. Native Americans are also more likely to develop complications, since their immune systems are less likely to be prepared for the virus. The influenza vaccine is not completely effective. However, it is the best defense against contracting and spreading the flu during flu season.

Common Cold

The common cold occurs when a virus causes an infection in the throat and nose. The majority of cases are harmless, though they can cause discomfort. A large number of viruses can cause the common cold. Children younger than six years old are the most likely to contract colds. A healthy adult will usually contract anywhere from two to three colds in a year. The average common cold resolves in seven to ten days.

The first cold symptoms will generally appear within three days of exposure to the virus. Symptoms include a sore throat, congestion, sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, mild headache, low-grade fever, and general feelings of unwellness. Patients should seek medical attention if their fever is higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Individuals who smoke are more likely to have long-lasting symptoms. A doctor should evaluate cold symptoms that do not improve.