Respiratory infections: Types and complications

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), about four million people die from these acute respiratory infections, which form a group of diseases that occur in the respiratory system, caused by various microorganisms, and are usually contagious and therefore spread quickly.

In addition, the WHO considers them to be the main cause of morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases in the world.

Types of acute respiratory infections

– Influence: It is caused by an influenza virus that infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can be mild or severe and, in certain cases, lead to death.

Anyone can get the flu and its serious health consequences can occur at any age; but, populations larger risk are those who are 65 or older, pregnant women, children up to five years old and people with chronic conditions.

Among the possible complications from flu prominent suffer from pneumoniaear infections, Sinus infection and even worsening of the patient’s chronic diseases, according to Pfizer’s medical experts.

– Respiratory syncytial or syncytial virus: This respiratory virus causes infections in lungs and respiratory system from a person. It is usually common among children, but it can also infect adults.

May cause pneumonia or bronchiolitis; in fact, it is the more common cause of both. Except, middle ear infections -mainly in babies or small children-, asthmathe possibility of re-infection with virus and even require hospitalization for monitoring and treatment of any breathing problems.

– Pneumococcus: It refers to a infection caused by bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus.

This bacteria can cause other infections such as pneumococcal meningitis. It is estimated that one in 12 children and one in six elderly people may die from the infection, while others may suffer long-term problems such as hearing loss and delayed development.

It can also cause sepsis, the complications of which can include everything from kidney failure to lung, heart and brain damage.

– Adenovirus: Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that often cause diseases of the respiratory system such as colds, bronchiolitis and even pneumonia.

As a result of this last condition, children with pneumonia can develop chronic lung disease.

Another condition to be able to develop is infections of the intestinal tract (under five years), including blockage of part of the intestine.

– COVID-19: The disease Covid-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and those who contract it can experience mild to moderate respiratory illness. However, some others may suffer from it in a serious way and even need medical attention.

Symptoms after covid-19 include: fatigue, shortness of breath, shortness of breath and cough; muscle or joint pain, clots and blood vessel problems.

In addition, patients with severe disease may have inflammationproblems in immune system, kidney damageskin and heart, as well as the development of other conditions (diabetes).

Anyone can get covid-19, but older adults and those suffering from other diseases (cardiovascular, cancer or respiratory) are more likely to develop a serious condition.

What to do to prevent possible infection?

Experts point out that the best time to stop is a virus or it is a bacterium before it can infect a person.

In this sense, vaccines represent one of the greatest achievements in the world public health to prevent possible infections with diseases such as influenza, pneumococcal disease and covid-19. Its widespread use has made it possible to control, eliminate or almost eliminate many infectious diseases.