What are the common disorders of the upper respiratory tract?
it is a common disorders of the upper respiratory tract, they are consists of following terms-
Infectious and inflammatory disorders
Inflammation of the upper respiratory tract can be caused by inhaling irritants, such as cigarettes smoke or air pollutants, but is commonly due to infection. Such infections are usually caused by viruses that lower the resistance of the respiratory tract to other infections. This allow bacteria to invade the tissues. Such infections are only life threatening if they spread to the lungs or other organs, or if inflammatory swelling and exudate block the airway.
Pathogens are usually spread by droplet infection, in dust or by contaminated equipment and dressings. If not completely resolved, acute infection may become chronic.
Viral infections cause acute inflammation of the mucous membrane, leading to tissue congestion and profuse exudate of watery fluid. Secondary bacterial infection is particularly likely in vulnerable people such as children and older adults. Viral infections are most dangerous in infants, young children and the elderly.
Common cold and influenza
The common cold is usually caused by the rhinoviruses and is a highly infectious, normally mild illness characterised mainly by a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat and sometimes slight fever. Normally a cold runs its course over a few days. Influenza is caused by a different group of viruses and produces far more severe symptoms than a cold, including very high temperatures and muscle pains; complete recovery can take weeks and secondary bacterial infections are more common than with a simple cold. In healthy adults, most strains of influenza are incapacitating but rarely fatal unless infection spreads to the lungs.
Sinusitis
This is usually caused by spread of microbes from the nose and pharynx to the mucus membrane lining the paranasal sinuses. The primary viral infection is usually followed by bacterial infection. The congested mucosa may block the openings between the nose and the sinuses, preventing drainage of mucopurulant discharge.
Symptoms
- Facial Pain
- Headache
If there are repeated attacks or if recovery is not complete, the infection may become chronic.
Tonsilitis
Viruses and streptococcus pyogenes are common causes of inflammation of the palatine tonsils, palatine arches and walls of the pharynx. Severe infection may lead to suppuration and abscess formation. Occasionally the infection spreads into the neck causing cellulitis. Following acute tonsillitis, swelling subsides and the tonsils returns to normal but repeated infection may lead to chronic inflammation, fibrosis and permanent enlargement. Endotoxins from tonsillitis caused streptococcus pyogenes are associated with the development of rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis. Repeated infection of the nasopharyngeal tonsil can leave them enlarged and fibrotic, and can cause airway obstruction, especially in children.
Pharyngitis, laryngitis and tracheitis
The lorarynx and larynx and trachea may become infected secondary to other upper respiratory tract infections, e.g.the common cold tonsillitis.
Laryngotracheobronchitis is a rare but serious complications of upper respiratory tract infections. The airway is obstructed by marked swelling around the larynx and epiglottis, is accompanied by wheeze and breathlessness.
Diphtheria
This is a bacterial infection of the pharynx which may extend to the nasopharynx and trachea, caused by corynebacterium diphtheriae. A thick fibrous membrane forms over the and may obstruct the airway. The microbe produces powerful exotoxins that may severely damage cardiac and skeletal muscle, the liver, the kidneys and adrenal glands. Where immunisation is widespread, diphtheria is rare.
Hay fever
In this condition, atopic hypersensitivity develops to foreign proteins, e.g. pollen, mites in pillow feathers, animal dander. The acute inflammation of nasal mucosa and conductive cases excessive watery exudate from the nose, redness of the eyes and excessive tear production. Atopic hypersensitivity tends to run in families, but no single genetic factor has yet been identified ; it is likely to involve multiple genes. Other forms of atopic hypersensitivity include childhood onset asthma, eczema in infantas and young children and food allergies.
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