Respiratory Infection Specialist Q&A
Respiratory infections are respiratory system infections that affect the sinuses, throat, airways, or lungs. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, a stuffy nose, a sore throat, headaches, muscle aches, and shortness of breath. Talk to Dr. Curtis Grote, MD, and his team, about your symptoms and potential treatments to help you breathe easier. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Bulverde Rd San Antonio TX, Bastrop TX, Alamo Ranch San Antonio TX, La Grange TX, Leon Springs San Antonio TX, New Braunfels TX, Potranco Road San Antonio TX, Dripping Springs TX, and Belle Chasse LA.


Table of Contents:
What are the causes of respiratory infections?
What are the main symptoms of respiratory infections?
What are the different types of respiratory infections?
How serious is a respiratory infection?
Respiratory infections are a common health problem that can cause coughs, fevers, and nasal or throat congestion. Most people will experience a respiratory infection at some point in their lives, and they usually clear up on their own. However, if a respiratory infection persists longer than a few weeks, it may be a sign of a more serious health problem. Examples of common respiratory infections include colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia. These types of infections are categorized depending on where the infection occurs and are generally separated into two classifications: upper respiratory infections and lower respiratory infections.
Respiratory infections are a common, contagious illness that mostly affects the nose, throat, and lungs. They can range from a mild, cough-like illness to a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Even though respiratory infections are highly contagious, they are not always easy to spread and people in the same household can often resist transmission. In the vast majority of cases, respiratory infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, although bacteria and viruses are the most common of the three. They are the most common type of infection in children and can cause coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms. They are generally mild and get better on their own, but some require medical intervention, such as antibiotics, to treat.
Risk factors for respiratory infections include:
• Smoking
• A weakened immune system
• Age
• Air pollutants
• Dust
• Acid reflux
• Harmful gasses from chemicals
The symptoms of a respiratory infection depend on the type of infection as well as the area affected, such as the lungs, throat, or nasal cavities. However, common symptoms include:
• Cough
• Fever
• Hoarse voice
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Red eyes
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
Respiratory infections are classified into two main categories, depending on which area they affect; these include upper and lower respiratory infections. Upper respiratory infections affect the uppermost organs of the respiratory tract, including the sinuses and throat. Infections of the upper respiratory tract include:
• Common cold
• Epiglottitis
• Laryngitis
• Pharyngitis (sore throat)
• Sinusitis (sinus infection)
Lower respiratory infections occur in the lower region of the respiratory tract, including the airways and lungs. Lower respiratory infections generally last longer than upper respiratory infections and are more serious. These infections include:
• Bronchitis is a lung infection that causes coughing and fever
• Bronchiolitis, another type of lung infection
• Chest infection
• Pneumonia
In the majority of cases, respiratory infections are not dangerous and clear up on their own with basic at-home care. However, there are certain signs and symptoms to be aware of that indicate a more serious condition; these symptoms should receive immediate medical care and include:
• Loss of consciousness
• High fever (higher than 103ºF)
• Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
• Frequent, severe coughing, which may accompany vomiting
• Wheezing (a high-pitched whistling sound when exhaling)
• Dizziness
• Retractions occur when there is a deeper outline of the ribcage or ribs than normal; this is typically more obvious in children
• Stridor, a harsh, raspy vibration when breathing; this is more common in children than it is in adults, although it can be present in any age group
• Symptoms that last longer than two weeks
• Symptoms do not improve with at-home care
If you are exhibiting the signs of a respiratory infection, do not delay care; come to Fast Aid Urgent Care today. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We serve patients from Bulverde Rd San Antonio TX, Windcrest TX, Selma TX, Bastrop TX, Paige TX, Smithville TX, Alamo Ranch San Antonio TX, Leon Valley TX, Helotes TX, La Grange TX, Rabbs Prairie TX, Halsted TX, Leon Springs TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Cross Mountain TX, New Braunfels TX, Hunter TX, Zorn TX, Potranco Road San Antonio TX, Rio Medina TX, Rolling Oaks Estates TX, Dripping Springs, TX, Saddletree Ranch TX, Belterra TX, Belle Chasse LA, Timberlane LA, Woodmere LA, and surrounding areas.

Additional Services You May Need
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▸ DOT Physicals
▸ Pediatric Urgent Care
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Additional Services You May Need
▸ Urgent Care
▸ Walk-in Family Care
▸ Children’s Health
▸ Sports Physicals
▸ DOT Physicals
▸ Pediatric Urgent Care
▸ Immunization