Respiratory infections

The respiratory tract infections involve the organs of the respiratory system: nose, trachea, bronchi and lungs. Upper respiratory infections target the throat and the pharynx; in this case we talk about pharyngitis that outbreaks by stinging and difficulties in swallowing, besided by temperature or malaise and tracheitis (inflammation of the mucosa coating the trachea), which occur, as well as through the same symptoms of pharyngitis, also through reddenings and stingings, dry cough evolving in productive cough and chest burning or tightness.

If we refer to infections affecting the lower respiratory tract, the organs involved are bronchi and lungs. In this case bronchitis can occur (inflammation of bronchial tissues); its symptoms are: acute and persistent cough, chest pain or discomfort, a moderate increase of temperature and shortness of breath. A different matter concerns pneumonia, whose symptoms vary according to age and causes. In most cases, patients can initially show cold-related symptoms, followed by shivering high temperature, difficulty in breathing (shortness of breath), cough with acute chest pain that usually gets worse with deep breathing. Symptoms usually occur at once or, more rarely, as isolated.

Some tips to stick to in order to limit the risk of incurring respiratory infections:

• Avoid overcrowded places
• Water gargling can help keep the oral mucosa wet and prevent infections outbreak
• Installing a humidifier in the bedroom during the winter helps keep the nose and mouth mucosa wet
• Wearing a dust mask when exposed to irritating substances
• Quit smoking and avoid other irritating and harmful substances
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. As the upper respiratory tract infections are very contagious, it's very important to cover the mouth and the nose when coughing or sneezing, with a handkerchief or bending one's elbow, but not with one's hands.
• Wash hands frequently
• Follow proper dietary habits that guarantee all nourishing and protective elements, allowing the organism to counteract most of the outer aggressions.