Have you noticed that your child is wheezing too much? Well, you should know that it might be due to upper respiratory tract infection. Read on to know more about the symptoms and causes.
Upper respiratory tract infection symptoms
A runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, cough, and sputum production are the hallmark upper respiratory tract infection symptoms. Symptoms are caused by inflammation of the mucus membranes in the upper respiratory tract. Other upper respiratory tract infection symptoms include the following.
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Pain during swallowing
- Wheezing
Upper respiratory tract infection causes
Both viruses and bacteria can cause upper respiratory tract infection. Viruses include rhinovirus, adenovirus, coxsackie virus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and human metapneumovirus. Bacteria include group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, group C beta-hemolytic streptococci, Corynebacteriumdiphtheriae (diphtheria), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea) and Chlamydia pneumoniae (chlamydia).
Upper respiratory tract infection risk factors
Listed below are the upper respiratory tract infection risk factors.
- Your child is more likely to be exposed to upper respiratory tract infections if your child attends daycare, playgroup, play outside, or are left under the care of a babysitter.
- Older brothers and sisters might bring home infections from school.
- The rate of colds triple when people spend more time crowded together indoors, breathing recirculated air.
- Smoking at home increases a child’s susceptibility to colds.
- Inadequate sleep or lack of quality sleep can make the immune system weak, making one prone to frequent colds.
- Environmental pollutants are toxic to the airway passage, causing it to get inflamed and easily infected.
- Infants are highly vulnerable to upper respiratory tract infections, owing to an immature or underdeveloped immune system and narrow airway passages.
- Elders with illnesses such as diabetes, blood pressure or any other illness that can make the immune system weak are susceptible to respiratory infections.
- Deviated nasal septum leads to the narrowing of the nasal passage, making one vulnerable to upper respiratory tract infections.
Upper respiratory tract infection complications
Listed below are some of the upper respiratory tract infection complications.
- A blocked nose can lead to post-nasal drip, and your child might come up with frequent sore throats and coughs, which will disturb sleep. The cough is frequently experienced during the night as there is an increase in post-nasal discharge while lying down which causes throat irritation. This irritation tends to cause tickling in the throat, producing a cough.
- Wheezing, pneumonia or lower respiratory tract infections might result if upper respiratory tract infection is left untreated.
- There can be pain, tenderness and inflammation of sinuses.
- The face might become puffy or swollen.
Upper respiratory tract infection prevention
The best protection against upper respiratory tract infection is frequent hand washing with soap and water. Washing your hands can reduce exposure to secretions that can spread infection. Here are a few other strategies.
- Avoid being in close contact with anyone who is sick.
- Wipe down objects such as remote controls, phones, and doorknobs that might be touched by people who have an upper respiratory tract infection.
- Cover your mouth and nose if you are the one who is sick.
- Stay home if you are sick.
Upper respiratory tract infection treatment
Homeopathic upper respiratory tract infection treatment builds immunity faster, helps in acute attacks and brings down the frequency and duration of attacks. Studies show a response rate of 83% in patients receiving homeopathic upper respiratory tract infection treatment as compared to a 68% cure rate in those receiving conventional upper respiratory tract infection treatments.
Conclusion
You should book an appointment with your homeopath and seek immediate attention as soon as you notice upper respiratory tract infection symptoms in your child. Visit your nearest homeopathy clinic now!
