Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) affect the sinuses, throat, airways and lungs. They are caused by viruses and bacteria and spread through direct contact, indirect contact with contaminated surfaces, or airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing. Common symptoms include cough, sore throat, runny nose, fever and congestion. While most RTIs resolve without treatment, some may require antibiotics or other medical attention. To prevent RTIs, children should practice good hygiene, build immunity through diet and exercise, avoid contact with infected individuals, and disinfect shared items.

1. RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS
(RTIs)

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.

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

8. sneezing
low grade fever
red eyes
production of mucus
hoarse voice
loss of appetite

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.