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Respiratory Infections, How to Avoid Them

In winter, respiratory infections are more frequent than at other times of the year because the transmission of the causative microorganisms is more favored. Although they cannot be 100% avoided if

What are the most common respiratory infections and what causes them?

All respiratory infections are caused by viruses or bacteria and not by the winter cold, which does favor viral circulation since the best conditions are produced for microorganisms to remain suspended in the air and be transmitted from one person to another. .

 

The most common respiratory infections are:

Common cold:

 

It is one of the most frequent viral diseases. It is caused by many viruses (rhinovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus and human metapneumovirus), the most frequent being the more than 100 subtypes of rhinovirus.

 

The most frequent symptoms, which begin between the first and third day after infection, are itching or sore throat or discomfort in the nose. These symptoms are manifested by sneezing, there is also excessive runny nose. The secretions from the nose are initially watery, clear and very abundant, and with the evolution of the disease they become thicker, opaque, greenish-yellow in color and less abundant. Fever is not frequent and in some cases a mild cough appears. Symptoms usually do not last more than 4-10 days, although the cough may persist for longer.

Pharyngotonsillitis:

It is an infection of the throat and/or tonsils that can be caused by various viruses (rhinovirus, adenovirus, influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, mononucleosis virus, HIV virus) or bacteria (streptococcus).

 

Its symptoms are ear pain and also severe pain when swallowing and speaking. People present with fever, headache, and gastric discomfort. The tonsils are red and swollen, and may even be covered in white patches.

Flu:

 

It is an infection of the lower respiratory tract, different from the common cold, which is caused by a different virus and produces more severe symptoms.

 

It is caused by influenza A, B, or C viruses, with type A being the most common.

 

Every year, worldwide, widespread outbreaks of influenza occur during late fall and early winter. Epidemics can occur among schoolchildren and people who live with them, as well as among people confined to the home or who live in permanent care centers, especially the elderly.

 

If the flu outbreak spreads to a larger region, across continents or globally, it could be called a pandemic.

 

Symptoms begin between the first and fourth day after infection and can be sudden. The first symptoms are chills or a feeling of very intense cold, fever that can reach 39-39.50C, tiredness and weakness that forces you to stay in bed, in addition to suffering body aches. Initial respiratory symptoms are usually mild and include sore and itchy throat, burning sensation in the chest, dry cough and nasal congestion. Over time, these symptoms become more intense, and even a severe cough accompanied by phlegm may appear. In addition, the skin on the face becomes hot and red, the mouth and throat become red, and there is tearing and congestion in the eyes.

 

In most cases the symptoms subside in 2-3 days, although the fever can last up to 5. For several days, even weeks, the cough, weakness, sweating and fatigue will last. Airway irritation and wheezing cause the affected person to reduce the intensity and duration of physical exercise when they do so, taking up to 8 weeks to resolve completely.

 

The flu can be complicated by pneumonia whose origin is the same virus as the flu that spreads through the lungs, or we can also talk about bacteria that take advantage of the fact that the affected person's defenses are lowered to "attack" the lungs. In both cases there is a worsening of the cough, shortness of breath, persistent or recurrent fever and purulent or bloody secretions.

 

Acute bronchitis

 

Bronchitis is an inflammation and swelling of the bronchial tubes that makes it difficult for air to pass through them.

 

It can be caused by both viruses and bacteria.

 

The initial symptoms are similar to those of a common cold (runny nose, sore throat, tiredness and chills) that can be accompanied by back and muscle pain, slight fever, cough that over time becomes productive.

 

An overactive reaction of the airways, which are temporarily narrowed in a way that prevents or limits the entry or exit of airflow in the lungs, is common.

 

It can be complicated as acute respiratory failure or pneumonia, especially in older people or in immunosuppressed people.

Pneumonia:

 

It is an infection of the lungs that affects the alveoli and the tissues that surround them. The alveoli are small air sacs located at the end of the airways where gas exchange with the blood takes place. That is to say, the oxygen that we take in when inhaling during respiration passes into the blood and the carbon dioxide present in the blood passes into the airway to be expelled during exhalation.

 

It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites.

 

Pneumonia usually begins after inhalation of microorganisms that reach the lungs, but sometimes it is carried to the lungs through the bloodstream.

 

There are different types of pneumonia depending on where the subject is at the time of contact with the microorganism. Some types are:

 

1. Community-acquired pneumonia when it develops in people living in the community.
2. Intrahospital pneumonias that are those contracted in the hospital.
3. Health care-associated pneumonia, which is pneumonia acquired in a care setting other than a hospital (nursing home, dialysis center...)

 

Other types:

 

1. Aspiration pneumonia occurs when particles from the mouth are inhaled and not eliminated by the lungs.
2. Obstructive pneumonia occurs when a blockage in the airways causes microorganisms to build up behind the blockage.
3. Symptoms are cough with thick or colored mucus, chest pain, chills, fever, shortness of breath.

 

The most common complications include low blood oxygen levels, very low blood pressure, lung abscess (accumulation of pus in dead lung tissue), or empyema (accumulation of pus between the lung and the chest wall).

 

Bronchiolitis

 

It is an infection of the lower respiratory tract caused by a virus, mainly the respiratory syncytial virus.

 

For more information http://lovexair.net/bronchiolitis/

 

How are they transmitted?

 

The microorganisms that cause respiratory infections are housed in the saliva and mucous membranes of the affected person. When a person sneezes, they expel drops of saliva that remain suspended in the air for up to 30 minutes. Subsequently, these droplets are inhaled by other people when breathing causing infection. Likewise, diseases that occur in the respiratory system are also caused by having contact with contaminated surfaces (objects, tables, desks, etc.). When the contaminated objects are touched, the microorganisms will pass to the hands, which will be new sources of infection and spread of these bacteria and viruses.

 

Can they be prevented?

 

Although we cannot avoid its contagion, it is possible to reduce the chances of getting sick by following a few simple tips.

 

Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure in the case of influenza, especially in risk groups. It is also a very useful measure in the prevention of pneumonia.

 

When we cough or sneeze, we must avoid putting our hand, since it will be contaminated and will be a source of spread of infection. In this case we should ALWAYS cover ourselves with disposable handkerchiefs, which will be thrown away after use, or with the bend of the elbow. On the other hand, it is also important to avoid contact with infected people (kisses, hugs...) and not share objects with them.

 

Avoid touching your face with your hands since microorganisms enter through the nose, eyes and mouth. Frequent hand washing is essential because, every day, they are in contact with innumerable objects infected by numerous microorganisms that cause infections. For this reason, it is important to wash your hands after going to the bathroom, after being in places where there are many people (public transport, shopping centers...), before eating or touching a baby or the elderly, and after being in contact with a sick person, among others...

 

 

A correct hand washing has to last between 40 and 60 seconds. To do this, apply an abundant dose of soap to the entire surface of the hands (palms, back, space between the fingers, thumbs and fingertips). They will then be dried with disposable wipes or with air, avoiding cloth towels.

 

It is advisable to ventilate the rooms of the house, schools... at least ten minutes daily, so that the microorganisms that are suspended in the air of the room go away.

 

Environments with tobacco smoke, sudden changes in temperature and crowded closed places will be avoided.

 

The house will be kept warm and at an adequate level of humidity because dry environments aggravate respiratory diseases.

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A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, foods with abundant vitamin A and C will be made.

 

It is very important to stay active and rest the right hours.

 

If you wish to know more information about these respiratory infections, you can contact our educators by email. tell us@lovexair.com