Infectious disease of any of the organs or structures involved in breathing. When the infections affect the upper area of the respiratory system, they are generally referred to as common colds. Lower respiratory tract infections may involve the larger airways in the lungs, causing bronchitis, or the smaller airways in the lungs, producing bronchiolitis. Viral or bacterial infections of the deeper parts of the lungs can cause pneumonia.
A viral infectious disease of any of the organs or structures involved in breathing. Respiratory tract infections occur when viruses invade and destroy cells in a person’s breathing passages. When the infections affect the upper area of the respiratory system, they are generally referred to as common colds. Lower respiratory tract infections may involve the larger airways in the lungs, causing bronchitis, or the smaller airways in the lungs, producing bronchiolitis. Viral infections of the deeper parts of the lungs can cause viral pneumonia.
Infection of the respiratory passages, spanning from the nasal passages to the alveoli (the small, sac-like structures within the lungs). This form of infection is categorized into upper and lower respiratory tract infections.
Infections in the upper respiratory tract target the nose, pharynx (throat), sinuses, and larynx (voice-box). Instances include the common cold, as well as inflammatory issues like pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, laryngitis, and croup.
Infections affecting the lower respiratory tract encompass inflammation of the trachea (windpipe), bronchi, and lungs. This category comprises conditions like acute bronchitis, acute bronchiolitis, and pneumonia.