Upper and lower respiratory infections. What they are and their differences.
There are two types of respiratory infections: upper and lower. They are called upper respiratory infection when they affect the upper parts, such as nose, throat, trachea and bronchial tube. On the other hand, the lower respiratory infection affects organs such as lungs. The first is the most common, and it involves diseases as the common cold, pharyngotonsillitis and rhinosinusitis.
Lung infections, known as pneumonia, can be more dangerous, but they are less common. There are some differences depending on whether they are provoked by a virus or a bacterium. The latter are treated with antibiotics, whereas the other one cannot be treated with anything. For this reason, the doctor should prescribe a treatment to help the patient with the symptoms.
These diseases usually infect the person through air. Although, they can also do it by getting in contact with an infected person. This is why, cleaning your hands frequently and not getting closed to a person that already has any symptoms, prevents you from getting sick.