About Respiratory Tract Infections
Figure 1 Anatomy of the respiratory tract
The respiratory tract
The respiratory tract, which includes the lungs, trachea and bronchi, is the name given to the air passages through which we breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide, both of which are necessary for survival.
The causes of breathing difficulties include:
- Long-term restriction to the airflow in the air passages as in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Short-term narrowing of the air passages either due to a spasm, as in asthma, or from swelling of the lining of air passages, as in bronchiolitis
- Infections of lung tissue, for example in pneumonia and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis
- Inflammation of the lungs, for example in acute or chronic bronchitis
- Damage to small air sacs (alveoli) for example from emphysema or inhaled dust or certain moulds
- Congestion of the lungs from heart disease, an inhaled object such as a peanut, or infection or inflammation of the throat
Smoking and certain air pollutants can also cause diseases including chronic bronchitis and lung cancer.
Symptoms of breathing difficulties often include a cough and a tight feeling in the chest and, where infections are involved, frequently coughing up greenish or yellow mucus.
The information provided on this website does not replace a consultation with a medical professional. If you have any concern about your condition please contact a medical professional.
Types of RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS
Not all respiratory tract infections can be treated with antibiotics, as some are caused by viruses rather than bacteria.
Upper respiratory infections include:
- The common cold
- Pharyngitis (sore throat) - infection of the pharynx
- Tonsillitis - infection of the tonsils
- Sinusitis – inflammation and/or infection of the sinuses including acute bacterial sinusitis
- Laryngitis - when caused by an infection of the larynx
Lower respiratory tract infections include:
- Acute bronchitis, including acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis
- Pneumonia, including community acquired pneumonia, an infection of the bronchioles and alveoli
There are also certain types of viral infection, such as flu (influenza), that can affect both the upper and lower respiratory tract.
