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Respiratory infections encompass a range of lower and upper respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia, bronchitis, and lung abscesses. Chest infection can occur on it’s own due to exposure of pathogen or as a result as a complication of cardiac procedures or OHS.
Causes
- Bacterial infections: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus.
- Viral infections: Influenza, SARS-CoV-2.
- Fungal infections: Aspergillus, especially in immunocompromised patients
Symptoms:
- fever
- sneezing
- productive cough,
- chest pain
- dyspnea
- fatigue.
- respiratory failure
- sepsis
Diagnosis
Chest X-rays or CT scans to identify infiltrates.
Sputum culture and blood tests to identify the causative agent.
Treatment
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections.
- Antiviral therapy for viruses (e.g. oseltamivir for influenza).
- Supportive care: Oxygen therapy, hydration, and symptomatic treatment.
