Respiratory infections are primarily caused by viruses (like flu, RSV, COVID-19), but also by bacteria (like Streptococcus) and sometimes fungi, spreading through respiratory droplets from coughing/sneezing or contaminated surfaces, with risk factors including age, smoking, pollution, and weakened immunity.

What is the main cause of respiratory infections?

Respiratory infections affect your lungs, throat and airways

They're caused by germs like viruses and bacteria that spread easily when people cough, sneeze, talk or laugh. Others can get sick by breathing in those germs or touching their face afterward.

How to treat respiratory infections while pregnant?

1. Chlor-trimetron (chlorpheniramine)—after 12 weeks pregnant.
2. Sudafed (pseudoephedrine)—after 12 weeks pregnant.
3. Novahistine—after 12 weeks pregnant.
4. Tylenol cold and sinus—after 12 weeks pregnant.
5. Advil cold and sinus—after 12 weeks and before 32 weeks pregnant.
6. Claritin (loratadine)—after 12 week.

Can respiratory infections cause dizziness?

COVID-19 and other respiratory conditions such as viruses and allergies can cause swelling in the sinuses and ears, leading to dizziness. “If an ear infection develops or the Eustachian tube that connects the ears with the back of the throat becomes blocked, it can cause feelings of dizziness,” explains Dr. Greiss.

What is the new virus causing vertigo?

Vestibular neuritis has been documented in nine COVID-19-related cases of dizziness and vertigo [7-15]. However, specific results of balance-function tests after COVID-19-induced vestibular neuritis, aside from caloric test results, are limited [9].

Upper Respiratory Tract Disorders, Influenza & Pneumonia - Medical-Surgical | @LevelUpRN

How do you flush out an upper respiratory infection?

How can I get rid of an upper respiratory infection fast? Most viral URIs have to run their course and go away on their own. They usually last one to two weeks. You can ease your symptoms by drinking plenty of water and taking over-the-counter medications.

How do you tell if a respiratory infection is viral or bacterial?

Telling viral from bacterial respiratory infections involves looking at symptom patterns: viral infections often start gradually with runny nose/body aches (like a cold), while bacterial infections tend to hit suddenly and severely (strep, bad sinus pain) and often worsen after a few days, potentially producing thick, colored mucus or a productive cough. Key signs for a bacterial infection needing a doctor are symptoms over 10 days, "double worsening," high fever, severe pain, or difficulty breathing; medical tests like cultures confirm the cause, as antibiotics only work on bacteria. 

Can a respiratory infection harm my unborn baby?

Respiratory viruses, including influenza and COVID-19, are not fun, but if you are pregnant, they can present new concerns and risks. Not only can respiratory illnesses make it harder to catch your breath, but they also can cause problems for your pregnancy and your developing child.

What respiratory infections are going around?

Respiratory viruses

• COVID-19. COVID-19 respiratory infection statistics.
• Influenza. Flu ICU and HDU admissions and other statistics.
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Respiratory syncytial virus infection statistics.
• Other respiratory viruses. Other common respiratory viruses including adenovirus, hMPV & parainfluenza.

How did I catch a respiratory infection?

Respiratory infections are contagious and usually spread through the air. Sneezing and coughing without covering your nose and mouth are the most common ways for them to spread. Germ-filled droplets from the spray fill the air and are either inhaled or land on surfaces touched by others. Anyone can get an infection.

Why won't my respiratory infection go away?

Secondary viral infection: If symptoms are getting worse, or if they were better but are getting worse again, it's possible you've developed a secondary infection — such as a sinus infection or pneumonia. Bacterial infection: Coughs that don't stop also can be due to bacterial infections, like acute bronchitis.

What are the 8 causes of respiratory?

Causes of respiratory diseases

• Infections:
• Environmental factors:
• Smoking and tobacco exposure: The greatest risk factor for COPD is smoking as well as lung cancer and emphysema. ...
• Genetic cause: Some types of congenital conditions, like cystic fibrosis cause chronic lung disease. ...
• Lifestyle causes:

What does a bacterial respiratory infection feel like?

Common symptoms of a bacterial respiratory infection may include: Persistent or worsening cough. Thick mucus that is yellow, green, or blood-tinged. Fever and chills.

How contagious is an upper respiratory infection?

Upper respiratory infections are contagious. They spread through the air we breathe. You are most contagious two days before your symptoms start. You will stay contagious until about six days after symptoms begin.

How does a doctor tell the difference between viral and bacterial pneumonia?

Both types of pneumonia can have similar symptoms, including: cough, fever and chills, fatigue, chest tightness and shortness of breath. But while viral pneumonia often has a gradual onset, bacterial pneumonia can often present with sudden and severe symptoms, including high fever and a productive cough.

What not to eat when you have an upper respiratory infection?

Processed Foods: Processed foods such as chips, cookies, etc., can cause inflammation in the body which can worsen your symptoms. Alcohol: Alcohol is known to be dehydrating and should be avoided when you are suffering from a cough or cold.

Can Mucinex help upper respiratory infections?

Mucinex (guaifenesin) helps with upper respiratory infections by thinning and loosening mucus, making coughs more productive to clear congestion from the chest, throat, and lungs, but it doesn't stop coughing entirely; Mucinex DM adds dextromethorphan to suppress the cough reflex, while multi-symptom versions tackle fever, body aches, and other cold/flu issues, but always stay hydrated and see a doctor if symptoms worsen or last over 7-10 days as it might be a bacterial infection needing antibiotics.
 

What virus causes inner ear problems?

The most common causes of vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis are viral infections, often resulting from a systemic virus such as influenza (flu) or the herpes viruses, which cause chickenpox, shingles and cold sores.

Can the new COVID make you dizzy?

Yes, COVID-19 can definitely cause dizziness, often as an early symptom or even before respiratory issues, sometimes due to the virus affecting the nervous system or balance (vestibular) system, and it can persist even after the main illness is over. Staying hydrated, resting, and sometimes specific medications can help manage this symptom, which is a common part of both acute infection and long COVID. 

Why are so many people getting vertigo?

Vertigo can be caused by migraines

“Migraines are so common and that just means that vertigo from migraine tends to be common too. So, if a patient is having episodes of vertigo, the two most common causes would be BPPV or migraine,” he said.

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