What Are The Common Respiratory Illnesses?

Respiratory illnesses seem to be among the most common conditions in the United States. Individuals appear to experience at least one of these illnesses in their lifetime. Some patients may be at a higher risk of them than others. This may be due to genetics, gender, and age. Patients who work with fumes and those who live in highly polluted areas may be at a higher risk. Outbreaks may be common with respiratory illnesses, since many seem to be contagious.

Patients may want treatment for respiratory illnesses. However, their options may vary. Bronchitis medication seems to be a common choice. This may include an acute bronchitis throat lozenge. Individuals appear to take medicine for pneumonia in most cases. However, they may only need herbal remedies for the common cold. Other options for cold and flu treatment seem to be fever reducers and pain medication. There may also be home remedies for the flu. Of course, individuals may need to understand the most common respiratory illnesses before they receive treatment.

Bronchitis

The bronchial tubes should move air in and out of a patient's lungs. However, if their lining becomes inflamed, a patient has bronchitis. This condition may resolve in seven to ten days if it is acute. Of course, the patient's cough may last for several weeks. Some individuals seem to experience chronic bronchitis. In these cases, their condition may last for several weeks or keep returning. Warning signs of this condition appear to include shortness of breath, a productive cough, fatigue, and chills. Chest discomfort may also occur. The patient's mucus may be clear, gray-yellow, or green. Rare cases may have it be streaked with blood.

Patients may develop acute cases due to a common cold. Smokers appear to be at a high risk of chronic cases. This may be because smoking can trigger constant irritation and inflammation in the lungs. Chronic bronchitis seems to be a major symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Reveal more respiratory illnesses that seem to be quite common now.