3 Respiratory Diseases You Should Know About

Respiratory Diseases: Why Should You Know About Them?

Respiratory infections are one of the most common reasons for medical consultations, and the majority resolve on their own or with simple treatments. However, there are different types of respiratory diseases that no matter what, we must know about.

Top 3 Respiratory Diseases You Should Be Aware Of:

1. Viral Diseases/Common Cold

The number one cause of respiratory diseases are viruses, which cause the famous “common cold.” These diseases are so common that 8 out of 10 people who visit a doctor for a mild respiratory illness, are likely to have a viral infection. Rhinovirus is the cause for most colds, but there are many other viruses that can cause it. And no, they do not require antibiotics or injections.

2. Upper Respiratory Bacterial Infection

Bacteria account for 15% of sore throats, which is roughly 1 or 2 out of every 10 patients seeking treatment for uncomplicated respiratory infections. These bacterial infections differ from viral ones because they do not cause coughing or runny noses, but instead lead to swollen and painful neck glands, pus on the tonsils, and usually a fever above 100 °F (38°C). These infections may indeed require antibiotic treatment. In the image you can see what tonsils look like when bacterias are the cause of the disease. This case warrants antibiotic treatment.

By James Heilman, MD – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11596322

3. Pneumonia or Severe Respiratory Infections

It occurs in 3-8 out of every 1,000 inhabitants per year. Of those who fall ill, 4 out of 10 may need hospitalization. Pneumonia can be caused by viruses or bacteria, and it can even result from milder infections that complicate for various reasons. We should be aware of these diseases because they can end a person’s life, damage your finances, or lead to severe consequences. The symptoms include cough, fever, a feeling of shortness of breath, chest pain, and phlegm.

How Can We Defend Ourselves Against Respiratory Diseases?

Unfortunately, as we saw with COVID-19, there aren’t many medications that can be used to combat a respiratory infection. This is because, as mentioned earlier, most of them are viral, and the treatment primarily revolves around managing the symptoms. However, we can tell you what you can do to prevent and fight them:

• Maintain a healthy diet.
• Exercise at least 5 days a week for at least 30 minutes.
• Quit smoking or reduce tobacco consumption.
• Wear masks in enclosed spaces or hospitals.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid touching your face, as we can inadvertently touch our mouth without realizing it.
• Help your doctor with the diagnosis: It’s helpful for us to know when you started feeling unwell, whether you have a fever and HOW MUCH. This is because having a temperature of 37.7°C is not the same as having 39-40°C; it changes the diagnostic suspicion. Pay attention to whether there is coughing, runny nose, or hoarseness.
• Have a first aid kit; this article explains what it should contain.
• If you’re sick, avoid visiting more people, especially older adults.

Conclusion

Respiratory diseases are very common, and most of the time, they are mild, caused by viruses, and can be treated with simple measures. However, respiratory diseases like pneumonia require prompt attention due to their potential danger. In conclusion, as we’ve seen, the odds are that we won’t need antibiotics most of the time, but you should always seek a doctor’s evaluation to determine your specific case.”