The respiratory system, which includes air passages, pulmonary vessels, the lungs, and breathing muscles, aids the body in the exchange of gases between the air and blood, and between the blood and the body’s billions of cells.
Most respiratory disorders would have common symptoms including coughing, chest pain, sputum production with varying features, shortness of breath, wheezing, etc.
Parts of the Respiratory System
- Nose
- Pharynx
- Larynx
- Trachea (windpipe)
- Bronchi
- Lungs
- Pleura
Acute Respiratory Infection
Acute respiratory infection is an infection that may interfere with normal breathing. It can affect just your upper respiratory system, which starts at your sinuses and ends at your vocal chords, or just your lower respiratory system, which starts at your vocal chords and ends at your lungs.
Symptoms of Acute Respiratory Infection:
- Itchy, watery eyes - Soreness behind eyes and often conjunctivitis
- Nasal discharge and congestion
- Sneezing
- Having Sore throat
- Coughing
- Severe Headache
- Fever
- Malaise
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
