Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI)

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Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is a sudden infection that affects the respiratory tract — the parts of your body involved in breathing, including the nose, throat, airways, and lungs.

It can range from a mild cold to severe pneumonia and is one of the most common causes of illness worldwide, especially in children and older adults.

⚕️ Types of ARI

ARI can affect either the upper or lower respiratory tract.

TypeAffected AreaExamples
Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)Nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynxCommon cold, sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis
Lower Respiratory Infection (LRI)Trachea, bronchi, lungsBronchitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia

🦠 Causes

Most ARIs are caused by viruses, though bacteria can also be responsible.

Viral Causes

  • Rhinovirus (common cold)

  • Influenza virus (flu)

  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

  • Coronavirus (includes COVID-19)

  • Adenovirus

  • Parainfluenza virus

Bacterial Causes

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae

  • Haemophilus influenzae

  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae

  • Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough)

⚠️ Common Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on which part of the respiratory system is infected.

Upper Respiratory Symptoms

  • Runny or stuffy nose

  • Sore throat

  • Sneezing and coughing

  • Mild fever

  • Headache

  • Hoarseness

Lower Respiratory Symptoms

  • Persistent or deep cough

  • Shortness of breath

  • Chest pain or tightness

  • Wheezing

  • High fever and fatigue

  • Mucus or phlegm production

🧬 Risk Factors

  • Young children and elderly adults

  • Weakened immune system (HIV, cancer, etc.)

  • Chronic lung disease (asthma, COPD)

  • Smoking or secondhand smoke exposure

  • Crowded living conditions

  • Malnutrition

  • Cold or polluted environments

🩺 Diagnosis

  • Physical exam (listening to lungs, checking throat)

  • Chest X-ray (for suspected pneumonia or bronchitis)

  • Nasal/throat swabs for viral or bacterial tests

  • Blood tests for infection markers

  • Pulse oximetry to check oxygen levels

💊 Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause (viral or bacterial) and severity of the infection.

1. For Viral ARIs (most common)

  • Rest and hydration

  • Fever reducers: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen

  • Decongestants / cough suppressants (short-term use)

  • Steam inhalation or saline nasal sprays

  • Antiviral drugs (e.g., oseltamivir for influenza) when prescribed early

2. For Bacterial ARIs

  • Antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, azithromycin, doxycycline) prescribed by a doctor
    ⚠️ Never self-medicate with antibiotics.

3. Supportive Care

  • Oxygen therapy for severe pneumonia or breathing difficulty

  • Hospitalization in critical cases (especially infants, elderly, or immunocompromised)

🧘 Prevention

  • Hand hygiene: Wash hands often with soap and water

  • Avoid close contact with sick people

  • Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

  • Wear masks in crowded or high-risk areas

  • Stay hydrated and eat nutritious food

  • Vaccinations:

    • Flu vaccine (annually)

    • Pneumococcal vaccine

    • COVID-19 vaccine

    • Pertussis vaccine for children

❤️ Prognosis

  • Most viral ARIs resolve within 7–10 days.

  • Severe bacterial infections (like pneumonia) can be life-threatening without treatment.

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