A respiratory infection can share symptoms with other conditions such as a head cold and allergies. These include coughing, fatigue, and headaches. More serious symptoms include chest pain and tightness as well as difficulty breathing. Symptoms of respiratory infection usually resolve without medical intervention. However, they can also be life-threatening in some cases. If you experience these symptoms, you must see a specialist in respiratory infection in Bakersfield to know their causes. A specialist is equipped with knowledge and expertise to diagnose and treat all kinds of respiratory infections.
Kinds of Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections can impact the upper and lower respiratory system. The upper respiratory system includes the nose, sinuses, throat, and infections include the common cold, tonsillitis, and laryngitis. The lower system, which is the airways and lungs, can become infected in this system, which can impact breathing. Common infections include flu, pneumonia, and bronchitis.
Common Causes of Respiratory Infections
An infection in the respiratory system can quickly spread from one person to another. If you have an infection like a cold, even the smallest droplets of fluid that contains the virus are released into the air every time you sneeze or cough, infecting other people in the area. To prevent the spread of such droplets, sufferers should practice the elbow cough or sneeze.
In addition, an infection in the respiratory tract can be spread through indirect contact like touching a surface or object that a carrier of the virus has touched. Those who have this infection should wash their hands frequently with soap and warm water to avoid contaminating others.
Treatment for Respiratory Infections
The majority of mild upper respiratory illnesses can be treated at home. Treatment includes taking over-the-counter medications. Often, antibiotics often cannot treat upper respiratory infections unless the latter is caused by bacteria. Also, it is important for a sufferer to consume a lot of water and get some rest.
Moreover, antibiotics are often not effective in treating lower respiratory infections. If symptoms persist or become worse, a patient must see a doctor. The doctor can determine whether the person’s respiratory issues are serious like pneumonia or a chronic condition such as asthma. People who are at least 65 years old should seek medical care when they experience a cough or have pre-existing conditions that compromise their immune response like diabetes or have a history of heart failure. Also, older people who are taking certain medications must see a doctor when they experience a cough.