Respiratory disorders
Updated July 2006
An infection of the nose and throat that can be caused by many different viruses.
There are at least 200 highly contagious viruses that are known to cause the common cold. These viruses are easily transmitted in the minute airborne droplets sprayed from the coughs or sneezes of infected people. In many cases, the viruses are also spread to the nose and throat by way of person-to-person contact with an infected person or by way of objects that have become contaminated with the virus such as door handles. Colds can occur at any time of the year, although infections are more frequent in the autumn and winter.
The initial symptoms of a cold usually develop between 12 hours and three days after infection. Symptoms usually intensify over 24 to 48 hours and include:
- frequent sneezing
- runny nose with a clear watery discharge that later becomes thick and green coloured
- mild fever and headache
- sore throat and sometimes, a cough
Further information:
- Cardiff University - Common Cold Centre
- MedlinePlus Health Topics - Common cold
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopaedia - Cold
- NHS Direct Online - Common cold
Influenza
An infection of the upper respiratory tract (airways), commonly known as flu.
Influenza, also known as flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that tends to occur in epidemics during the winter. The infection mainly affects the upper respiratory tract (airways) and can be transmitted easily in airborne droplets from the coughs and sneezes of infected people, as well as from person-to-person through direct contact. Many different viral infections can result in mild flu-like symptoms, but true influenza is caused by two types of influenza virus: A and B.
The symptoms of influenza develop 24 to 48 hours following infection. Many people believe that they have influenza when they have a common cold, but the symptoms of influenza are far more severe. The first symptom may be slight chills.
Other symptoms, which develop later and worsen rapidly in just a few hours, may include:
- high fever, sweating, and shivering
- aching muscles, especially the back
- severe exhaustion
- frequent sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and cough
For most normally healthy people, the best way to relieve the symptoms of influenza is to rest in bed and drink plenty of cool fluids. Painkillers and other over-the-counter remedies may help to ease aching muscles and other symptoms. If self-help measures do not provide relief, a doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs. If there is difficulty in breathing or if a fever lasts for longer than two days, a doctor should be seen immediately. A doctor should also be consulted immediately when flu symptoms first appear in people in high-risk groups who are at increased risk of complications, such as older people.
If there are no complications, most of the symptoms of influenza usually disappear after six to seven days, although a cough may persist for over two weeks. For anyone in one of the high-risk groups, the complications of influenza may be life-threatening, and in epidemics, deaths from associated pneumonia are very common. Immunisation against flu can give effective protection. It is especially recommended for people in high-risk groups (excluding babies) such as older people and people who are particularly likely to be exposed to the influenza virus, such as healthcare workers.
A flu vaccination should be sought for those:
- 65 years old or over
- living in an old people's home or a nursing home
- a chronic heart or chest complaint, including asthma
- chronic kidney disease
- diabetes
- lowered immunity due to a disease or treatment such as steroid medication or cancer treatment
- any other serious medical condition - check with a doctor if unsure.
References:
[1] Department of Health - Annual influenza 'flu' jab campaign 2005-06, Flu Watch
Further information:
- Department of Health - Flu FAQ, frequently asked questions about flu immunisation policy, vaccine and the implementation of policy
- MedlinePlus Health Topics - Flu
- MedlinePlus Health Topics - The flu
- NHS Direct Online - Flu
Pneumonia
Inflammation of the alveoli (air sacs) of the lungs, usually resulting from infection.
In pneumonia, some of the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs become inflamed and fill with white blood cells and secretions. As a result, it is more difficult for oxygen to pass across the walls of the alveoli into the bloodstream. Usually only part of one lung is affected, but in some severe cases pneumonia affects both lungs and can be life-threatening. Pneumonia is most common in infants, children, and older people, but can be fatal in older people or people with another illness.
Elderly people with swallowing problems are at risk of aspiration pneumonia, where food and drink, stomach contents or secretions end up in the lungs. This form of pneumonia often carries a poor prognosis.
Most cases of pneumonia in adults are caused by infection with a bacterium. This type of pneumonia may develop as a complication of a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract, such as a common cold or influenza. In some cases, pneumonia is due to other organisms, such as fungi. Bacterial pneumonia usually has a rapid onset, and severe symptoms generally develop within a few hours.
Symptoms include:
- cough that may produce bloody or rust-coloured sputum
- chest pain that becomes worse on inhalation
- shortness of breath at rest
There is some evidence to suggest that some groups of elderly, particularly those in institutional care, should, as with influenza, be vaccinated against one of the commonest forms of bacterial pneumonia, pneumococcal pneumonia.
Further information:
- British Lung Foundation
- MedlinePlus Health Topics - Pneumonia
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopaedia - Pneumonia
- NHS Direct Online - Pneumonia