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Respiratory tract infection is a viral infection. Over 20 such viruses are known and they are highly contagious. The infection spreads through normal physical contact like shaking hands and particularly through sneezing and coughing.
It is of two types – Upper and Lower respiratory infection. Upper respiratory tract infection affects the ear, nose, throat, larynx, and sinuses and causes the common cold, influenza, sinusitis, etc. The lower respiratory infection causes lung abscess, acute bronchitis, and emphysema. Respiratory tract infections are characterized by a congested nose, high fever, and cough. Cold, smallpox, influenza, and pneumonia are some most common forms of respiratory tract infections.
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Children up to the age of 14 are more prone to these infections. Often, these viral infections spread while coming in contact with nasal secretions from an infected person. These secretions carry viruses with them. These infections also spread when one breathes air filled with droplets that were coughed or sneezed out by an infected person.
Causes For Respiratory tract Infection
- Unhygienic lifestyle
- Virus such as rhinovirus, adenovirus, enter virus, coronavirus, influenza virus, par influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus
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Symptoms
When a virus infects tissues and cells of the respiratory tract, they trigger inflammation and also results in the production of mucus. This causes nasal congestion, a runny nose, scratchy throat, and cough, which may last up to 14 days. Sudden high fever, fatigue, chills, and body aches are common symptoms of influenza. Other symptoms include:
- Fever
- Malaise
- Earache
- Sneezing
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Loss of appetite
- Irritation
- Inflammation of tonsils
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
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Ayurvedic Treatment For Respiratory tract infection
Herbal remedies of Ayurveda are effective for respiratory infections. They contain anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and antibacterial properties that strengthen the body’s resistance against infection, especially in the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract. They do not cause side effects even after long-term use.
Ayurveda prescribes herbal formulations containing herbs such as Guggulu, Tinospora cordifolia, Rubia cordifolia, Licorice, Emblica Officinalis, Moringa pterygosperma, etc.
Complete best rest for 2-3 days is recommended
Increased fluid intake is recommended, This helps to thin respiratory secretions
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Home Remedies For Respiratory tract infection
- Have plenty of fluids and complete rest
- Gargle with salt water will give relief from sore throat
- In case of laryngitis, give rest to the throat by not speaking too much or too loudly.
- A hot and steaming bowl of soup can relieve nasal congestion and loosen the nasal secretions.
- Diet with good proteins is recommended. This may include fish, seafood, skinless poultry, egg whites, lean meats, sprouts, and low-fat dairy products.
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- Sugar as well as refined cereals and grains should be avoided.
- Lemon juice with warm water will supplement vitamin C which is considered a very good remedy for respiratory infection
- Ginger and honey needs to be given to children when affected by respiratory tract infection
- Inhale steam mixed with mint leaves. This will give relief from nasal congestion and a blocked nose.
- Take 1 glass of betel leaves juice with honey daily to get relief from sneezing
- Black pepper has taken with ghee, sugar, and honey also helps to get rid of cough.
- The juice of betel leaves with honey relieves sneezing.
- Garlic has antibiotic properties and should be taken raw or in the food.
- For relief from cough take the juice of onions mixed with jaggery.
