Respiratory symptoms

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Respiratory symptoms are the symptoms that indicate the presence of respiratory diseases. These symptoms can be caused by a variety of conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, COPD, lung cancer, and other respiratory tract infections.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Respiratory symptoms can vary greatly in severity and frequency. Some people may experience mild symptoms, while others may have severe, life-threatening symptoms. The most common respiratory symptoms include:

  • Cough: This is often the first symptom of a respiratory disease. It can be dry or productive, meaning it produces phlegm.
  • Shortness of breath: This can occur with or without physical exertion. It is often worse when lying down and can be relieved by sitting up.
  • Wheezing: This is a high-pitched, whistling sound that occurs during breathing. It is often associated with asthma and COPD.
  • Chest pain: This can be a symptom of a serious condition, such as lung cancer or a lung infection.
  • Fatigue: This is a common symptom of many respiratory diseases. It can be caused by the body's effort to fight off infection or by the lack of oxygen in the blood.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Respiratory symptoms can be caused by a variety of conditions, including:

  • Infections: These can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. They can affect the upper respiratory tract (nose, sinuses, and throat) or the lower respiratory tract (bronchi and lungs).
  • Allergies: These can cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. They can also cause asthma symptoms, such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
  • Chronic diseases: These include conditions such as asthma, COPD, and lung cancer. These diseases can cause a variety of respiratory symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of respiratory symptoms usually involves a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. Additional tests may include:

  • Chest X-ray: This can help identify lung diseases, such as pneumonia or lung cancer.
  • Pulmonary function tests: These tests measure how well the lungs are working.
  • Blood tests: These can help identify infections and other conditions that can cause respiratory symptoms.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment of respiratory symptoms depends on the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:

  • Medications: These can include antibiotics for infections, inhalers for asthma, and medications to relieve symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath.
  • Oxygen therapy: This can help people with severe respiratory diseases get enough oxygen.
  • Surgery: This may be necessary for conditions such as lung cancer.

See also[edit | edit source]

Respiratory symptoms Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD