Bacterial Respiratory Tract Infection
Whether you know it or not, chances are you’ve had a respiratory tract infection (RTI) or upper respiratory tract infection (URI) at some point in your life.
A bacterial respiratory tract infection is an infection of the sinuses, throat, airway, or lungs. Bacterial infections may develop after having a viral illness like a cold or the flu. Symptoms tend to localize to one particular area.
So how do you know if your common cold has morphed into a bacterial respiratory tract infection? Here are some warning signs and treatment options that’ll help you feel better in no time.
Bacterial vs. Viral Infections
The difference between bacterial and viral infections is simple: bacterial infections are caused by bacteria (single-celled microorganisms), while viral infections are caused by viruses (smaller than bacteria and require a living host to multiply).
Many ailments and illnesses have similar symptoms whether they are viral or bacterial—the biggest difference between the two types of infections is that bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, while viral infections cannot.
Bacterial Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms
The difference between bacterial and viral infections is simple: bacterial infections are caused by bacteria (single-celled microorganisms), while viral infections are caused by viruses (smaller than bacteria and require a living host to multiply).
Many ailments and illnesses have similar symptoms whether they are viral or bacterial—the biggest difference between the two types of infections is that bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics, while viral infections cannot.
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Types and Symptoms
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Stuffy, runny nose
Sneezing
Low-grade fever
A few warning signs that your cold has progressed from a viral infection to a bacterial infection are:
Symptoms lasting longer than 10–14 days
A fever higher than 100.4 degrees
A fever that gets worse a couple of days into the illness, rather than getting better
White pus-filled spots on the tonsils
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Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses. Symptoms include:
Postnasal drip
Stuffy nose/congestion
Tooth pain
Coughing
Greenish nasal discharge
Facial tenderness (specifically under the eyes or at the bridge of the nose)
Bad breath
Fatigue
Fever
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Pharyngitis is characterized as inflammation of the pharynx, which is located in the back of the throat. It’s more commonly known as a “sore throat.” Symptoms include:
Sneezing
Headache
Runny nose
Cough
Body aches
Fatigue
Chills
Low-grade fever
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This is when the epiglottis—the flap at the base of your tongue that prevents food from entering the windpipe—becomes inflamed. Symptoms are typically rapid and include:
Shortness of breath
Sore throat
Pain/difficulty swallowing
Fever
Coughing
Drooling
Swollen lymph nodes
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Laryngotracheitis is an infection of the upper airway that blocks breathing and has a distinctive “barking” cough. This infection is more commonly known as “coup.” Symptoms include:
“Barking” cough
Difficulty breathing
Fast or noisy breathing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Fever
Congestion/runny nose
Vocal hoarseness
Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Types and Symptoms
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Bronchitis is a bronchial tube inflammation. Bronchial tubes carry air to your lungs. Bronchitis symptoms include:
Coughing that produces thickened mucous
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Overall feeling of malaise
Runny nose or postnasal drip
Headache
Sore throat
Pressure in the chest
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Bronchiolitis may sound similar to bronchitis, but they are two distinct lung infections. Bronchitis causes inflammation in the upper bronchial tubes and trachea, while bronchiolitis causes swelling in the smallest lung airways—called bronchioles. In addition, bronchiolitis is more common in younger children, mostly under the age of 2. Symptoms include:
Dry, raspy cough
Wheezing
Difficulty feeding (infants) or eating (toddlers)
Low-grade fever
Runny or stuffy nose
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Pneumonia is the most common bacterial lower respiratory infection. It’s an infection that inflames air sacs in one or both lungs—these air sacs may fill with fluid or pus. Pneumonia symptoms include:
Cough that produces phlegm or pus
Fever
Chills
Difficulty breathing
Sharp chest pain
Dehydration
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Clammy skin or sweating
Fast breathing
Shallow breathing
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
Rapid heart rate
Please note that many of these bacterial respiratory infections have similar symptoms. If you suspect you may have an upper or lower bacterial respiratory infection, call your doctor for an examination. Many of these infections can be serious if left untreated. Unlike a viral illness that has to “run its course,” bacterial infections must be treated with antibiotics.
Bacterial Respiratory Tract Infection Diagnosis
If a respiratory tract infection is suspected, your doctor may perform the following tests to provide the best diagnosis and treatment plan possible:
Throat swab: your physician will take a sterile cotton swab and swipe it across the back of your throat. The swab will collect a sample of secretions that are being produced in the back of your throat. They will then be tested in a lab to determine whether you have a bacterial infection in your throat.
Lateral neck x-ray: your doctor may order a lateral neck x-ray to rule out epiglottitis, especially if you’ve been having difficulty breathing.
Chest x-ray: if pneumonia is suspected, your doctor may order a chest x-ray.
CT scan: CT scans are often used to diagnose sinusitis.
Bacterial Respiratory Tract Infection Treatments
When a bacterial respiratory tract infection occurs, your doctor will probably prescribe an antibiotic to clear the infection. To help alleviate symptoms and bring relief, many doctors suggest using:
Cough suppressants
Expectorants (medication that promotes the secretion of sputum/mucus)
Vitamin C and zinc to reduce symptoms
Steam inhalation
Gargling salt water
Pain relievers
Bacterial Respiratory Tract Infection Prevention
Both viral and bacterial respiratory tract infections are contagious and spread from person to person through respiratory droplets emitted by coughing or sneezing. Transmission of these infections can also occur by touching the mouth or nose by hand, or by touching another object exposed to the virus or bacteria. The best ways to prevent the spread of a bacterial respiratory tract infection are:
Avoiding close contact with sick people
Wiping down objects: remotes, phones, doorknobs, surfaces, etc.
Cover your mouth and nose (especially when coughing)
Stay at home if you are sick
The Lung Docs: Specialized Pulmonary Care
The Lung Docs provides specialized, state-of-the-art pulmonary care to our patients with respiratory infections in Chattanooga and the surrounding Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia areas.
Find a Location Near You
The Lung Docs provides specialized, state-of-the-art pulmonary care to our patients with Bacterial Respiratory Tract Infection in Chattanooga and the surrounding Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia areas.
PULMONOLOGIST
Dr. Mike Czarnecki
I’m Dr. Mike Czarnecki, “The Lung Doc,” and I’m trained in all areas of pulmonary health, including the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory infections. I will work with you to formulate a personalized RTI/URI treatment plan so you can live, laugh, love, and breathe better again! To get started, schedule an appointment online or call our office to speak to someone directly. I can’t wait to meet you!