Respiratory tract infection

A respiratory tract infection is an infection of the nose, sinuses, throat, airways, or lungs. It may be caused by viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens.

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Upper respiratory tract infection: An infection affecting the nose, sinuses, or throat. This subtype is confined to the upper part of the respiratory tract.
Respiratory droplets: Particles emitted from the respiratory tract during breathing, speaking, coughing, or sneezing. Infectious droplets can carry pathogens from one person's respiratory tract to another.
Respiratory examination: Clinical assessment of breathing, lung sounds, and related signs. Examination helps identify lower-airway involvement and the need for further testing.
Respiratory failure: A condition in which the respiratory system cannot adequately oxygenate blood or remove carbon dioxide. Severe infection can disrupt lung function enough to cause respiratory failure.
Allergic rhinitis: Inflammation of the nasal lining caused by an allergic response. It can resemble an upper respiratory infection but is not caused by a pathogen.
Lower respiratory tract infection: An infection affecting the trachea, bronchi, or lungs. This subtype involves airways or lungs and can become more severe.
Aerosol transmission: Spread of infectious particles suspended in air, especially over distances or time. Some respiratory pathogens remain airborne and reach susceptible airways when inhaled.
Pulse oximetry: A noninvasive measurement of blood oxygen saturation using a fingertip sensor. It can detect impaired oxygenation in serious lower respiratory infections.
Sepsis: Life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated response to infection. A respiratory infection can trigger sepsis when infection and inflammation spread systemically.
Asthma: A chronic airway disease involving variable inflammation and narrowing of the airways. An infection may trigger asthma symptoms, but asthma itself is not an infection.