Often people are concerned about their kids or themselves getting respiratory tract infections frequently. Since it is a painful thing and bothersome, everyone wants to protect themselves and their loved ones from it.
Respiratory tract infections spread through respiratory tract droplets. Therefore a little interaction with the person having it can make you infected. Moreover, if an infected person coughs or sneezes in front of you, you can catch the infection. Those droplets can enter your body, and the bacteria can replicate, causing a respiratory tract infection.
Generally, respiratory tract infections are classified into two types: upper and lower tract infections. An infection that includes your sinuses and throat is an upper respiratory tract infection. And the infection that affects your lungs and mainly the bronchioles is known as a lower respiratory tract infection.
Commonly, infections of the lower respiratory tract are more serious than those of the upper respiratory tract.
Respiratory tract infections need to be treated as soon as possible. Do not take the symptoms lightly, as they can become life-threatening. Therefore you must consult with the healthcare provider soon if you have symptoms of a respiratory tract infection.
Along with the treatment, you must practice all measures to protect yourself from respiratory tract infections. Here, we will tell you tips to do that. If you have any symptoms of a respiratory tract infection, consult with the healthcare provider as soon as possible. To get an expert opinion, you can visit a Pulmonologist.
What Are The Symptoms Of Respiratory Tract Infection?
The common symptoms of respiratory tract infection are:
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing food
- Postnasal drip
When the infection becomes severe, you may also have difficulty breathing. If you have the same complaint, do not delay your visit to the healthcare provider. Respiratory tract infections need to be treated as soon as possible. Delaying the treatment can lead to complications and make the condition life-threatening.
How Can You Protect Yourself From Respiratory Tract Infections?
To protect yourself from respiratory tract infections, you can exercise the following tips:
Get A Flu Shot
A flu shot can help protect you from seasonal flu. However, it does not protect you from all types of respiratory tract infections, but it can lower those episodes. Therefore make sure you get a flu shot for yourself and your family every year. However, it is better to consult with a healthcare provider beforehand.
People who receive cancer chemotherapy or are immunocompromised may have to wait to get a flu shot. Therefore if you have any of these conditions, make sure to consult with a healthcare provider and get it administered when they allow you.
Hand Washing
You might be thinking how hand washing helps prevent respiratory tract infections that spread through droplets! But the thing we often forget is that if an infected person coughs and sneezes in their hand and shakes hands with you, germs will be transmitted to you. Moreover, if they touch any surface with those hands, eventually they will leave the germs on that surface. And if you touch it, you will end up getting those germs on your hands.
Most people have a habit of touching their faces with their hands. If you touch your face with a hand that contains germs, they can enter your body through your face, ears, and nostrils. Eventually, the bacteria enters your respiratory tract and multiplies there, causing an infection. Therefore make a habit of washing your hands with soap and water whenever you return home from outside or when you shake hands with someone having the flu. If you can not find soap or water, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that can help kill germs.
The Bottom Line
Respiratory tract infections are generally treated well. But if they are not treated on time, they can become life-threatening. Therefore do not take it lightly. If you have any symptoms of a respiratory tract infection, such as cough, fever, or sneezing, visit the healthcare provider soon. To get an expert opinion, you can consult with Dr. Atif Mahmood.
