Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is the sudden onset of infection of any part of the respiratory system of human beings from nose to lung(alveoli). It is an infection that may disturb the normal breathing process.
Infections of the respiratory tract are the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in young children and the elderly due to the increased prevalence of malnutrition, low birth weight, indoor air pollution, poor living conditions & overcrowding.
CAUSES OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTION
The microbial agents are the main cause of acute respiratory Infections such as viruses(Adenovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus, influenza-V, etc.), Bacterial (Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza, etc.), fungi, parasites, or allergens.
TYPES OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTION
1.Acute upper respiratory infections (AURI)-
It is generally considered to be the airway above the vocal cords or above the cricoid cartilage.
It includes the nose, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx.
The upper respiratory tract infections include common cold, Influenza, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, and otitis media.
2.Acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI)-
It consists of the trachea(windpipe), bronchial tubes, bronchioles, and the lungs.
The lower respiratory tract infections include bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia.
WHO IS AT RISK FOR ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTION?
* It is almost impossible to avoid viruses and bacteria, moreover certain risk factors like air pollution, season(winter), overcrowded dwellings, poor nutrition, low birth weight, and intense indoor smoke pollution increase the chances of developing an acute respiratory infection.
*As the immune systems of children and older adults are low so they are more prone to being infected by viruses.
*Cigarette smoking increased the occurrence of respiratory tract infections
SIGN AND SYMPTOMS OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTION
Age- The incidence of acute respiratory infection is very high among children under five years.
Sex-Incidence of acute respiratory infection is more among males than female children.
Sign & Symptoms-
Sign & Symptoms-
1.Fever over 100˚F
2.Coughing
3.Not feeding well & not able to drink,
4.Excessively drowsy or difficult to wake
5.Difficult & irregular breathing
6.A child turning blue due to hypoxia.
7.Stridor i.e. a high-pitched, wheezing sound caused by disrupted airflow in calm child.
8.Convulsions
9.Severe malnutrition.
10.Other symptoms like congestion either in the nasal sinuses or lungs, runny nose, sore throat, body aches, fatigue weakness, etc.
DIAGNOSIS
Physical Examination-
1.Count the respiratory rate for a full one minute. Increased respiratory rate in a child is significant if the count is 60 breaths per minute or more.
2.Looking at the abdominal movement when the child is calm.
3.Look for chest indrawing when the child takes breathing. Chest indrawing occurs mainly when required more effort to breathe in.
4.Listen for stridor which is harsh noise. It occurs when there is a narrowing of the larynx which interferes with air coming into the lungs. These conditions are also called croup.
5.Look for wheeze which is a soft whistling noise that shows the sign of difficulty in breathing. It is caused by the narrowing of the air passage in the lungs.
6.Feel for a low-grade fever or low body temperature.
7.Check for severe malnutrition because it is a high-risk factor for an acute respiratory infection.
8.Cyanosis is a sign of hypoxia that must be checked in a good light.
Laboratory findings-
1.If the infection is in the lower respiratory tract, an X-ray or CT scan may be necessary to check the condition of the lungs.
2.Lung function tests are a useful diagnostic tool.
3.Pulse oximetry is also an important diagnostic tool that helps to check how much oxygen gets into the lungs.
4.A swab from your nose or mouth or sample of sputum is useful to check for the type of virus or bacteria causing the disease.
COMPLICATIONS
Complications of acute respiratory infections are very serious mainly in the case of child and old age that can result in permanent damage or even death.
Complications are-
1.Respiratory Arrest.
2.Respiratory Failure.
3.Congestive Heart Failure.
PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTION
Health Improvement-
Most of the acute respiratory infections aren’t treatable. Therefore, prevention is the best method to control harmful respiratory infections
1.Promotion of exclusive breastfeeding up to the first six months of life increases the child immunity.
2.Give adequate nutrition for growing children.
3.Improvement in the living conditions i.e. Housing and sanitation.
4.Reduction of smoking and smoke pollution indoors.
5.Maintain proper family planning to prevent overcrowding.
6.To relieve the cough use a homemade preparation like tea, ginger, lime juice, etc.
Specific Protection-
1. Follow the primary immunization routine. 2. Oral Vitamin A oil should be given from 9 months up to 5 years at 6 months interval.
3.Other vaccines like MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) Vaccine, DPT Vaccine, Influenza vaccination, pneumococcal vaccine, and Haemophilus B vaccine can be given.
Early Diagnosis and Treatment-
Improving the primary medical care services i.e. early detection & treatment is the best strategy to control Acute Respiratory Infection.
If there are any danger signs such as fast breathing and difficulty in breathing then immediately consult your nearest doctor as early as possible.
