Question

Briefly describe the upper and lower respiratory tract. Identify common infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Identify and explain appropriate treatment for at least one upper and one lower respiratory infection.

Answer 1

The respiratory system is the human anatomical part which deals with the process of respiration . It is divided into upper and lower respiratory tract

Upper respiratory tract includes nose ,nasal cavity ,mouth ,throat (pharynx) sinuses, tonsils , larynx (voice box) . It provides a passage for air to be breathed in and out of the lungs but it also heats , humidifies and filters the air and is involved in cough ,swallowing ,and speech.

Lower respiratory tract includes trachea and within the lungs brochi ,bronchioles , and alveoli . Deep in the lungs each bronchus divides into secondary and tertiary brochi which continues to branch into smaller airways called the bronchioles. Lower respiratory tract function is to pull in air from the upper respiratory system ,absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide .

Common infections of upper respiratory tract are:-

- Flu

- Laryngitis

- Sinusitis

- Tonsillitis

Common lower respiratory tract infections are :-

- Pneumonia

- Tuberculosis

- Bronchitis

- Bronchiolitis

Appropriate treatment for upper respiratory tract infection sinusitis is nasal washing , medication to relive congestion ,pain etc like decongestant, steroids antihistamine , antitussive, NSAIDS ,and antibiotics in case of chronic sinusitis.like penicillin etc.

Appropriate treatment for lower respiratory tract infection tuberculosis is ATT under DOTS 6 months course with having nutritiously rich diet along with infection prevention precautions like hand washing ,use of masks ,use of handkerchief to sneezing etc