Colds, Flus and Other Respiratory Illnesses

Whether you are a mom or an adult with a weak immune system, stuffy nose, cough, and fever can be irritating and affect your entire routine. However, these can be symptoms of other severe respiratory illnesses, like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pneumonia, and bronchitis. 

These conditions affect the respiratory system, causing symptoms that can cause mild discomfort and severe respiratory distress. Understanding the symptoms and distinguishing normal coughs and colds from other respiratory diseases that require immediate doctor assistance is essential to avoid complications. Let's understand common respiratory infections and illnesses and some home remedies to restore your health. 

Common Respiratory Infections and Illnesses 

Respiratory diseases are common, while some are acute infections, which can be treated with antibiotics or other medications, and some are chronic, requiring long-term management. These infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens that target the upper or lower respiratory tract. Here are the different respiratory infections and illnesses: 

1. Common Cold 

The common cold is caused by germs called viruses, and it usually affects the throat and nose. It is harmless; however, it might not feel that way with symptoms like sore or scratchy throat, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and slight body aches. The common cold is normal from children to adults, and you don't require medical assistance until the symptoms worsen. The mucus from the nose might start out as clear and become thicker and green or yellow, which again is normal, so it is not an indication of bacterial infection. Common cold can lead to conditions, like middle ear infections, asthma, sinusitis, and other respiratory infections like pneumonia or bronchitis. 

2. Influenza 

Influenza is the infection of the throat, nose, and lungs caused by the virus called influenza. It is commonly referred to as flu, which can be mistaken as stomach flu, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Influenza can be treated at home; however, a doctor's diagnosis is recommended to ensure it is not something severe. In some cases of influenza, patients might require emergency medical assistance if symptoms like dizziness, seizures, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe weakness, or worsening of existing medical conditions are visible. 

3. Pneumonia 

Pneumonia is a common lung disease caused by an infection in the air sacs of the lungs, called the aveoli. The infection can be a virus, fungus, or bacteria, and it causes the alveoli to be filled with pus or fluid. The air sacs play an essential role as they help exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood and the air breathed in. The exchange rate decreases, and breathing becomes difficult if the air sacs have fluid in them. Pneumonia symptoms include a cough that lasts more than three weeks, weight loss, poor appetite, a cough that brings up mucus or blood, weakness, fatigue, night sweats, and fever. 

4. COVID-19 

Recently discovered in 2019, it is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus, and its other variants. It caused a pandemic, and the entire world went under lockdown to prevent and protect themselves from catching the infection. Patients with COVID-19 diagnosis can experience symptoms ranging from mild to severe, and some might require immediate emergency medical assistance and oxygen support. The symptoms of COVID-10 are visible 2-14 days after the exposure. The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses; however, loss of taste and smell can be early symptoms. 

5. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Virus 

RSV is one of the viruses that cause respiratory infections that might require hospitalization, especially for one-year-old children. Some babies might need oxygen to help with breathing or IV (intravenous) fluids if they have difficulty eating or drinking. It can also affect adults, and it can lead to the onset of severe diseases like asthma, COPD, and congestive heart failure. 

RSV symptoms are fever, fatigue, stuffy nose, shortness of breath, sneezing, flaring nostrils, wheezing or grunting, fast or slow breaths, and poor appetite. In some cases, you may notice your children's head blobbing or chest cavity in between and under the ribs with each breath. 

6. Tuberculosis (TB) 

Tuberculosis is a respiratory condition caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is an air-borne infection, meaning it can be spread from person to person through the air. Usually, TB affects the lungs but can affect the brain, spine, and kidneys. There are four different types of TB: primary TB, latent TB, active TB, and active TB outside the lungs. Tuberculosis can be fatal if it is not treated on time. 

Signs and Symptoms of Respiratory Infections 

Respiratory tract infections comprise a wide range of respiratory infections that affect the body parts involved in breathing, like the sinuses, throat, nose, and lungs. Here are some common symptoms of RTI or respiratory tract infections: 

• Cough that brings up mucus or phlegm
• Sneezing 
• Stuffy or runny nose 
• Sore or scratchy throat 
• Headaches 
• Slight muscle pain or body aches 
• Breathlessness, tight chest, or wheezing 
• Fever 
• A general feeling of being unwell

Treatments and Home Remedies 

In most cases of RTI, especially the common cold, people do not require medications or a doctor's prescription. However, doctors might suggest some OTC (over-the-counter) drugs, like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and antihistamines, to manage the symptoms. The doctors will align the treatment after diagnosing the cause of RTIs and suggest the required medications, like antibiotics for bacterial infections, streptococcal pharyngitis or pneumonia, and antivirals for influenza and other viruses. 

In some cases, the doctors might recommend using a nebulizer and intravenous (IV) fluids in extreme and severe respiratory infection cases. 

Regarding home remedies, there are ample treatments you can utilize to get relief from common symptoms of RTI and feel better. Here are some of the home remedies for treating RTIs: 

• Take a leave and get plenty of rest, as a common cold is a sign that your body requires rest. 
• Drink plenty of water to restore your hydration levels to loosen all the mucus. Drinking lots of water ensures the mucus comes up quickly. 
• Mix a spoonful of honey and a few drops of lemon in warm water and drink it to soothe the cough. 
• Put a spoonful of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle using it if you have a sore or scratchy throat. 
• Use extra pillows to raise your head while sleeping to make breathing easier and clear your chest of mucus. 
• Use a humidifier or inhale vapors by mixing essential oils, like rosemary or eucalyptus, in hot water to relieve your runny or stuffy nose. Essential oil is not mandatory; you can also take vapors or steam by boiling water. 

Why is a Doctor's Diagnosis Essential? 

Usually, RTIs, like influenza and the common cold, can be treated within 3-7 days; however, getting a doctor's diagnosis is essential if their symptoms worsen and stay the same. Certain respiratory infections can become complications, like untreated streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), which may turn into rheumatic fever. Besides, here are some other complications associated with RTIs: 

• Pneumonia 
• Bronchitis 
• Ear infections 
• Sinusitis 
• Worsening of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or asthma
• Sepsis 
• Tuberculosis complications 
• ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome)
• In extreme cases, respiratory failure 

Conclusion 

In these changing times with unpredictable weather, catching a common cold and influenza is common. However, monitoring the symptoms and visiting the doctor to check your respiratory tract infections is essential because timely medical intervention can help prevent complications. People with weak immune systems, children, and older people should take extra care to avoid the common cold and influenza from converting into something serious, like pneumonia. 

With state-of-the-art technologies and world-class facilities, Apollo Spectra doctors are here to treat all the RTIs and severe respiratory illnesses and infections at our multi-specialty hospital. Our high-tech imaging technologies will help in accurate diagnosis, and doctors can align the treatment accordingly to bring out the best possible results. Visit your nearest Apollo Spectra Hospital today and check if your RTI has worsened or if you have a cough lasting more than three weeks.