Acute Respiratory Infection

About

An infection that affects upper (sinuses to vocal chords) or lower (vocal chords to lungs) respiratory system and interferes with normal respiration.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acute respiratory infections (ARI) kill an estimated 2.6 million children annually every year worldwide.(1)
Medical diagnosis by a general physician is required for confirmation.
Affects both men and women.
X-ray, CT scan, sputum culture, or pulse oximetry may be ordered.
Can be physically discomforting.
The causes of an ARI vary depending on its location. Rhinoviruses that cause the common cold, acute ear infection, and acute pharyngitis are responsible for ARI in the upper respiratory system. Pneumonia, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis cause the infection in the lower respiratory system. Adenoviruses and pneumococcus bacterium along with the previously mentioned rhinoviruses are the most common pathogens behind an ARI.
Ages affected – below the age of 12 years – most often; between 13 to 70 years – less often; above 70 years – most often
Symptoms

Partially self-diagnosable

Symptoms include congestion, cough, high fever, runny nose, and fatigue; hence, it is crucial to visit a doctor.
People may experience
Distress – Cough, runny nose, sore throat, congestion in lungs, or nasal sinuses.
Uneasiness – Fatigue, high fever (>103°F), chills, dizziness, difficulty in breathing, and loss of consciousness.

Treatment

Self-care: Get vaccinations such as TDAP, MMR, influenza, and pneumovax. Always sneeze into a tissue or handkerchief.
Medications: Antibacterial drugs may be prescribed in case of a bacterial infection.
Specialist: If the situation persists, it is advisable to consult a specialist.
At mfine, you can consult top experts for your ARI and get a holistic treatment plan.