Respiratory infections can be broadly categorized based on the location within the respiratory system where the infection occurs. This leads to two primary types: Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs) and Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs).
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs)
URTIs affect the upper part of the respiratory system. According to provided references, these include:
- The Common Cold: A viral infection of the nose and throat.
- Laryngitis: Inflammation of the voice box or larynx.
- Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the pharynx (sore throat) and/or tonsils.
- Acute Rhinitis: Inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane.
- Acute Rhinosinusitis: Inflammation of the nasal cavity and sinuses.
- Acute Otitis Media: Infection of the middle ear (often associated with URTIs).
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs)
LRTIs affect the lower part of the respiratory system. Based on the information provided, common LRTIs are:
- Acute Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
- Bronchiolitis: Inflammation of the small air passages in the lungs (bronchioles), commonly seen in young children.
- Pneumonia: Infection of the lungs.
- Tracheitis: Inflammation of the trachea (windpipe).
| Category | Infections |
|---|---|
| Upper Respiratory Tract (URTI) | Common Cold, Laryngitis, Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis, Acute Rhinitis, Acute Rhinosinusitis, Acute Otitis Media |
| Lower Respiratory Tract (LRTI) | Acute Bronchitis, Bronchiolitis, Pneumonia, Tracheitis |
