Key Concepts:
Vocabulary: respiratory tract, mucous membrane, pneumonia, jaundice, cirrhosis
Respiratory Infections
Main Idea: Many diseases begin as respiratory infections.
Many communicable diseases occur in the respiratory tract, the passageway that makes breathing possible. This passageway includes the nose, throat, and lungs. The respiratory tract connects the outside world to the inside of your body. However, a few habits can help you avoid getting sick:
Avoid close contact with sick people. If you’re ill, stay home.
Wash your hands often.
Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose.
Eat right and get physical activity to strengthen your immune system.
Abstain from smoking.
Colds, influenza, pneumonia, strep throat, and tuberculosis are the most common respiratory infections.
Common Cold
The common cold is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the mucous membrane, the lining of various body cavities, including the nose, ears, and mouth. Sneezing, a sore throat, and a runny nose are the most common symptoms Cold germs spread through direct contact with an infected person, indirect contact with contaminated objects, or air-borne transmission. Because a cold is caused by a virus, there is no cure. Your body has to fight off the infection. The best treatment is to get plenty of rest and drink liquids.
Influenza
Influenza, or the flu, is a viral infection of the respiratory tract. Symptoms include high fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and coughing. Like the common cold, the flu can spread through the air or through direct or indirect contact.
Because the flu is a viral infection, antibiotics can’t cure it. Antiviral drugs may be effective in treating flu symptoms if taken early enough. Usually, though, most people treat the flu with proper nutrition, plenty ofrest, and lots ofliquids. Many people choose to get a flu vaccination once a year. This shot protects you from one type of flu virus that may be common that year. Getting a yearly flu vaccine is especially important for older adults and people with chronic health problems.
Pneumonia
In severe cases, the flu can lead to pneumonia, an infection ofthe lungs in which the air sacs fill with pus and other liquids. Its symptoms are similar to those of the flu, which means that sometimes people can have pneumonia without realizing it. People who are vulnerable to pneumonia include older adults and those who already have the flu. Pneumonia can be caused by a virus or by bacteria. Viral pneumonia is sometimes treated with antiviral drugs. Bacterial pneumonia, if diagnosed early enough, can be treated with antibiotics. Pneumonia can be fatal, especially when it strikes older adults and people with lung or heart problems.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is a bacterial infection spread by direct contact with an infected person or through airborne transmission. Symptoms include sore throat, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Left untreated, strep throat can lead to serious conditions, including heart damage. Strep throat can be treated with antibiotics.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial disease that usually attacks the lungs. It spreads through the air and typically affects people with weak immune systems. Symptoms include fatigue, coughing, fever, weight loss, and night sweats.
TB 1s treated with antibiotics. Because some strains have become resistant, doctors sometimes have to prescribe several antibiotics at one time to see which kind will work for an individual. TB infections have dropped significantly in the United States during the last 60 years due to the develop- ment of antibiotics. Most people who are infected with TB bacteria never actually develop the disease because their immune systems prevent the bacteria from multiplying and spreading. However, the disease continues to be a serious health problem worldwide, especially among people with other viral infections such as HIV.
Hepatitis
Main Idea: There are three common types of hepatitis.
Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. There are at least five different kinds of hepatitis, but the most common are types A, B, and C. Symptoms include jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Some people also develop cirrhosis, or scarring of the lower. Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B, but because the disease comes from a virus, there is no cure.
Hepatitis A usually attacks the digestive system through contact with the feces of an infected person. Common symptoms include fever, vomiting, fatigue, abdominal pain, and jaundice. The best ways to avoid hepatitis are to stay away from people already infected and to wash your hands thoroughly after using any public restroom.
Hepatitis B has symptoms similar to those of hepatitis A but it can cause liver failure and cirrhosis. This virus can be spread through sexual contact or contact with an infected person’s blood. You can avoid getting hepatitis B by not sharing personal care items such razors and toothbrushes, by abstaining from sexual activity and use of illegal drugs, and by not getting tattoos and body piercings.
Hepatitis C is the most common blood-borne infection in the United States. Symptoms include jaundice, dark urine, fatigue, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Hepatitis C can lead to chronic liver disease, liver cancer, and liver failure. The disease is most often spread by direct contact with needles that are contaminated with infected blood. You can lower your chances of infection by not sharing personal care items and abstaining from illegal drug use and sexual activity.
Other Communicable Diseases
Main Idea: Stay informed about communicable diseases.
Respiratory infections and hepatitis are the most common communicable diseases, but there are many more. The more you know about these diseases and how they are transmitted, the better your chances of not getting them. Figure 23.4 provides information about additional communicable diseases.
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