This consists of the nose, mouth, sinus, throat, the trachea or windpipe and the larynx or the voice box. The common cold is the type of medical problem or infection that is caused to the upper respiratory tract. Along with that, the upper respiratory tract infections RTI can also be sinusitis , tonsillitis, laryngitis or flu.
The lower respiratory tract is made up of the bronchial tubes and the lungs. More severe medical conditions take place when the lower respiratory tract is infected and the conditions are pneumonia , bronchitis , bronchiolitis and tuberculosis.
In most cases, the upper RTIs are caused by different types of viruses. They usually occur in fall and winter. However, they can occur at any time of the year. These infections take place when some sort of virus or bacteria different virus or bacteria can cause different types of infections of the upper respiratory tract invade the upper respiratory tract mucus membrane.
The virus or bacteria have to go past many obstacles such as the physical barrier of the hair lining in the nose or the cilia small hair like structure in the trachea lining as well as the immunological barriers in which the foreign invaders are constantly resisted by the antibodies produced by the lymph nodes. The inflammation leads to swelling and thickening that narrows the airways in the lungs. This causes disturbance of the air flow through the bronchial tree and breathing difficulties, severe cough accompanied by thick mucus and air deficiency.
The inflamed mucous membrane is red, swollen, covered with exudate. Bronchitis may be acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis heals for a relatively short time — from a few days to a few weeks, but left untreated or due to external factors such as smoking, it can become chronic symptoms persist or recur frequently. In most cases, acute bronchitis is due to a viral infection, but the cause may also be a bacterial infection.
Acute bronchitis causes a dry cough with bronchial secretion. In case the overall health status of the patient is good, the bronchial mucosa will recover completely after eliminating the primary infection.
Chronic bronchitis is a serious long-term illness that often requires regular medication. The primary reason for the occurrence of chronic bronchitis is smoking. Other causes of chronic bronchitis include air pollution, occupational dangers, climatic factors, chronic sinus infection, allergies, etc.
The treatment of bronchitis may include cough suppressants, bronchodilators, sleeping near a humidifier, pain relievers. Upper Respiratory Infection: The infections of the upper respiratory tract are mild infectious diseases that occur with upper respiratory tract inflammation. Upper Respiratory Infection: The upper respiratory tract includes the following structures: nose, pharynx, tonsils, sinuses, and larynx. Bronchitis: The bronchitis affects the bronchi — the large airways connecting the trachea and the lungs.
Upper Respiratory Infection: The symptoms of upper respiratory infection generally include a runny nose or excessive nasal discharge, tearing eyes conjunctivitis , sore throat, breathing difficulties, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, sneezing, cough, pain in the body, etc.
Bronchitis: The symptoms of bronchitis include breathing difficulties, severe cough accompanied by thick mucus and air deficiency, etc. Upper Respiratory Infection: Depending on the affected part of the upper respiratory tract the infections are laryngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, laryngotracheitis, etc. Upper Respiratory Infection: The major etiological factor in the upper respiratory tract infections are the viruses. Bronchitis: In most cases, acute bronchitis is due to a viral infection, but the cause may also be a bacterial infection.
Upper Respiratory Infection: The treatment of upper respiratory infections can include the use of expectorants, cough suppressants, zinc, and vitamin C to shorten the duration and reduce the symptoms. Bronchitis: The treatment of bronchitis may include cough suppressants, bronchodilators, sleeping near a humidifier, pain relievers. Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects. MLA 8 Bozhilova, Dr. If so, request a same-day visit from DispatchHealth by giving us a call, going on our website, or using our app.
Our team is here to answer any questions you may have. DispatchHealth relies only on authoritative sources, including medical associations, research institutions, and peer-reviewed medical studies. Request a Visit. Account Sign In or Create Account. Learn how or get test results. Bronchitis vs. See if we service your area Zip Code this. Request a Visit Learn More. Sometimes, upper respiratory tract infections can spread to involve bronchial tubes causing bronchitis.
There could be situations where the concurrent involvement of both upper and lower airways. Bronchitis or inflammation of the bronchi can occur commonly with viral infections. These respiratory viruses include respiratory syncytial virus, influenza viruses, etc.
Few bacterial infections and tuberculosis can also cause bronchitis. Typically, it causes a productive cough and respiratory wheeze or stridor; these are the sounds that originate in the lower airway. Most of the time, bronchitis per say is rare, and it is usually associated with infection of the surrounding respiratory tract. Bronchitis in vulnerable patients such as infants, elderly, immunocompromised, with other co-morbidities can lead to more serious complications and a worse outcome.
Bronchitis can be two forms based on the duration of symptoms. Acute bronchitis usually lasts for few weeks while chronic bronchitis symptoms last for more than 6 weeks.
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