Respiratory system: Infections

Definitions & Key takeaways

The respiratory system is susceptible to several infections, such as pneumonia; influenza, often referred to as the flu; � and the common cold. Pneumonia is an infection and inflammation of the lungs characterized by fluid buildup in the alveoli, which leads to shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and fever, as well as possible cyanosis and fatigue. Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that often produces fever, body aches, fatigue, weakness, and a headache, while sometimes giving rise to a cough, sore throat, runny nose, and sneezing. While most people recover quickly from the flu, it can lead to some serious complications, like viral pneumonia. The common cold is a viral infection, usually confined to the upper respiratory tract, causing a cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, and sneezing, generally not posing the risk of serious complications in the way that the flu does. Treatment options vary depending on the specific infection and may include supportive therapy, antibiotics, and antiviral medications. It is also important to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding close contact with people who are sick, to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

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Intro0:00–0:21

There are a variety of respiratory infections that can affect a client you’re caring for. Some of the more common infections are pneumonia; influenza, often referred to as “the flu;” and the common cold.Pneumonia is an inflammation and infection of the lung tissue caused by microbes, such as bacteria or viruses.

Pneumonia0:21–1:19

These microbes can enter the lungs either through normal breathing or through aspiration, where foreign material, like food or vomit, enters into your airway.
Either way, these microbes will cause infections that cause inflammation, where fluid and pus builds up in the alveoli: the tiny air sacs in the lungs.
Consequently, gas exchange can’t happen, which makes breathing difficult. Some of the common signs and symptoms of pneumonia include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain that worsens with breathing.
Cyanosis can occur, where the skin turns bluish due to decreased oxygen in the blood. Pneumonia is usually diagnosed with a chest X-ray and can be treated with antibiotics.
Supportive treatment includes oxygen and IV fluids. Be mindful to take transmission-based precautions.

The Flu1:19–2:10

Influenza, or “the flu,” is a respiratory infection caused by the highly contagious influenza virus. It most commonly causes fever as well as generalized body aches, fatigue, and headache.
It can sometimes cause a cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, and sneezing. Treatment for individuals with the flu generally involves plenty of fluids and rest.
Sometimes, drugs are given to alleviate symptoms or shorten the duration of the illness, but most people recover in approximately one week.
Some people, especially elderly individuals, very young children, and those with chronic conditions, have a high risk of developing complications, such as viral pneumonia.
Because of this, it is important to prevent the spread of the influenza virus with annual flu vaccines and transmission-based precautions.The common cold can sometimes appear to be very much like the flu as there is some overlap of symptoms.

The Common Cold2:10–2:55

Now, there are a variety of viruses, like rhinovirus, coronavirus, and parainfluenza virus, that can cause the common cold.
Unlike the flu, the most common symptoms of the common cold are those that affect the upper respiratory tract: a cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, and sneezing.
While the common cold can cause fever, headache, and fatigue, it does not do so often. The complications of a common cold also differ greatly from those of the flu and include sinus infections and middle ear infections.
Treatment is supportive and focuses on rest and fluid. It's also important to adhere to transmission-based precautions.

Reporting2:55–3:25

As a nursing assistant, when caring for clients with respiratory infections, your main responsibility will be to observe and report.
Because you will likely be the member of the care team spending the most time with clients, you will be in a prime position to learn what is normal for your clients so that you can recognize and report changes, if and when they occur.You also want to be sure to report any signs or symptoms of respiratory problems, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, fever, or cyanosis.All right, as a quick recap… Some of the most common respiratory infections you may come across as a nursing assistant are pneumonia, influenza, and the common cold.

Recap3:25–4:33

Pneumonia is an infection and inflammation of the lungs characterized by fluid buildup in the alveoli, which leads to shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and fever, as well as possible cyanosis and fatigue.
Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that often produces fever, body aches, fatigue, weakness, and a headache, while sometimes giving rise to a cough, sore throat, runny nose, and sneezing.
While most people recover quickly from the flu, it can lead to some serious complications, like viral pneumonia. The common cold is a viral infection, usually confined to the upper respiratory tract, causing a cough, stuffy nose, sore throat, and sneezing, generally not posing the risk of serious complications in the way that the flu does.
Finally, as a nursing assistant, you are responsible for preventing the spread of these infections through transmission-based precautions and recognizing signs and symptoms, so you can report them to the