Respiratory infections

Respiratory infections

    * Introduction
    * Acute respiratory infections
    Chronic respiratory infections *
    * Clinical
    * Etiology
    * Treatment
    * Prevention
    * Prognosis
Respiratory infections are considered to be the most common diseases. Those with chronic evolution and must be addressed not heal a lifetime drug. Infectious respiratory diseases are common cold, acute bronchitis, otitis, sinusitis and pharyngitis, each of which can be manifested as acute and chronic.

Because part of an open system, lungs and airways are highly exposed to external influences: dust, smoke, fumes, bacteria, viruses, fungi. Normally, the body of infectious agents occur by means of the mucosal immune system. The immune system traps and removes bacteria, viruses and fungi. Mucosa, which play the role of the airway lining captures the tiniest particles and transport them through the hair cells, eliminating them from the body by coughing and expectoration. The immune system can be depressed by factors mentioned above or because of previous infections.

Definition

Respiratory infections most commonly affect the upper airways: nose, sinuses, pharynx and larynx. Sometimes, respiratory infections are associated with middle ear inflammation.

Lower airways, trachea and bronchi, are less exposed to disease, but in case of infection, evolution is more severe symptoms.

Respiratory infections usually occur in association with other respiratory diseases. Acute bronchitis is often associated with whooping cough and measles. Can trigger chronic bronchitis or emphysema chronic obstructive bronchitis.