14/05/2021                                                                            
                                    
                                                                            
                                            RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION (RTI) 
Respiratory tract infection (RTI) is defined as any infectious disease of the upper or lower respiratory tract.
● Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) include the common cold, laryngitis, pharyngitis/tonsilitis, acute rhinitis, acute rhinosinusitis and acute otitis media.
● Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) include acute bronchitis, pneumonia and tracheitis. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for RTIs in adults and children in primary care. 
SYMPTOMS 
A cough- you may bring up mucus (phlegm).
Sneezing.
A stuffy or runny nose.
A sore throat.
Headaches.
Muscle aches.
Breathlessness, tight chest or wheezing.
A high temperature.
Feeling generally unwell.
NB: Respiratory tract infection can either be viral or bacterial or both. But most often times a viral infection.
HOW TO AVOID GETTING AN RTI
Get a flu vaccination.
Get a pneumococcal vaccine- this helps prevent pneumonia.
Stop smoking if u smoke.
Drink less alcohol. 
Practice good hygiene such as: washing hands frequently, always sneeze in your hands, avoid touching your eyes and mouth, to prevent introducing germs into system. 
Make sure you include plenty of vitamins in your diet, such as vitamin C, which helps boost immune system.
CAUSES
● RTIs are often spread in coughs and sneezes of someone with an infection.
● Upper Respiratory Tract Infection:
(a) acute pharyngitis.
(b) acute ear infection.
(c) common cold.
● Lower Respiratory Tract infection:
(a) bronchitis.
(b) pneumonia.
(c) bronchiolitis.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS?
The immune system of children and older adults are more prone to being affected by viruses.
People with heart diseases or other lung problems are more likely to contract an acute respiratory infection.
Anyone whose immune system might be weakened by another disease is at risk.
Smokers also are at high risk and have more trouble recovering.          
TREATMENT OF RTIs
● Treatment is usually based on the causative organism.