Respiratory Symptoms
Respiratory Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Respiratory symptoms refer to the signs and symptoms of respiratory illnesses. These can range from a simple and common cold to more serious illnesses like pneumonia and cystic fibrosis. It is important to pay attention to any symptoms, as they can often be signs of something more serious. Here are some respiratory symptoms you should not ignore.
Coughing
One of the most common signs of respiratory illness is coughing. Coughing can be either acute, which means it lasts for a short period of time, or chronic, which means it can last several weeks. a cough can also be dry, or with mucus. If the cough is accompanied by other respiratory or flu-like symptoms, it could be a sign of a more serious illness.
Shortness of Breath
Another common sign of respiratory illness is shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. This can happen along with other symptoms, such as a cough or fever. If you are having difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention.
Wheezing
Wheezing is a whistling sound that is heard when a person breathes. It can occur along with coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Wheezing may be a sign of asthma or bronchitis, and should be addressed with a doctor.
Fever
A fever is one of the most common signs of any type of illness, including those that affect the respiratory system. If you are experiencing a fever along with other respiratory symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.
Chest Pain
Chest pain can be a symptom of a respiratory illness, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. If you are experiencing chest pain along with other respiratory symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.
Infants and Children
It is important to pay close attention to symptoms in infants and children, as they may not be able to express what they are feeling. Common respiratory symptoms in infants and children include :
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Bluish color to the lips and fingernails
If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Treatment
The treatment for a respiratory illness will vary depending on the underlying cause. It is important to seek medical attention if any of the symptoms are severe or if they persist for more than a few days. The earlier you seek treatment, the better the chance of a full recovery.