Respiratory Tract Infections

Respiratory tract infections are common, and a major cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. Upper respiratory tract infections include the common cold, laryngitis, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, acute rhinitis, acute rhinosinusitis, and acute otitis media. Viruses are the most dominating organisms infecting upper respiratory tract. Bacterial primary infection or super infection is also encountered. Lower respiratory tract infections include acute bronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia and tracheitis. Bacteria, viruses, and some fungal species may be involved in lower respiratory tract infections. The leading infectious cause of death in children worldwide is lower acute respiratory infection (LARI), particularly pneumonia.