2. Respiratory Tract Infections (RTIs)
are infections are infections of parts
of the body involved in breathing,
such as the throat, air ways or lungs
and sinuses. Most RTIs get better
without treatment but may
sometimes need a medical
practitioner’s attention.
3. RTIs are grouped into:
Upper RTIs affect the sinuses and throat.
Eg. Common cold, Influenza and Laryngitis.
Lower RTIs affect the wind pipe, air ways and lungs.
Eg. Pneumonia, Chest infection, bronchitis and Tuberculosis
NB: Flu can be both upper and lower respiratory tract infection.
Lower RTIs tend to last longer and be more serious. Upper RTIs
are highly contagious in nature.
4.
5. Causative Organisms
Causative organisms are micro-organisms that are capable of
causing diseases or infections. The causative organisms for RTIs
include:
Virus
Bacteria
6. Mode Of Transmission
Mode of transmission refers to how pathogens are passed on from an
infected individual to another individual. Mode of transmission of RTIs can
be:
Direct
Direct oral contact (like kissing) with someone who has pneumonia.
Indirect
Most often RTIs spread when children’s hand come into contact with nasal
secretion from an infected person.
Air borne
Air borne droplets spread when the sick person coughs or sneezes and
inhaled into the lungs.
7. Signs and Symptoms
Onset of the signs and symptoms begin from one to three days after
exposure to microbial pathogens. Some signs and symptoms of RTIs
include:
cough
sore throat
running nose
nasal congestion
headache
facial pressure
9. Preventive Measures
Children should practice good hygiene
Building good body immunity by having proper diet and
exercising regularly
Maintain good ventilation
Avoid contact with people with RTIs
Articles used for child birth should be disinfected before use
10. Treatment
The use of antibiotics Eg. Amoxicillin, Penicillin V
Children should have enough rest and take in much fluids
Children should stay away from school when infected
Taking in honey to reduce cough
Use of nasal ipratropium to stop nasal secretion
11. RTIs affect the growth and development of
children therefore parents, guardians and teachers
should ensure preventive measures are adhered to,
to prevent RTIs among children. It should also be
noted that, a medical practitioner should be
consulted when all treatment prove futile.