Respiratory tract infections can refer to lower respiratory tract infections and upper respiratory tract infections.
Lower respiratory tract is the part of the respiratory tract below the vocal cords. While often used as a synonym for pneumonia, the rubric of lower respiratory tract infection can also be applied to other types of infection including lung abscess and acute bronchitis. Symptoms include shortness of breath, weakness, high fever, coughing and fatigue.
Upper respiratory tract infections (URI or URTI) are the illnesses caused by an acute infection which involves the upper respiratory tract: nose, sinuses, pharynx or larynx. This commonly includes: tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, otitis media, and the common cold.
Related diseases
Influenza
Avian Influenza
Influenza H1N1
Tuberculosis
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