Respiratory Infections

Upper respiratory infection (URTI)

  • self-limited irritation and swelling of the upper airways with associated cough with no proof of pneumonia & lacking a separate condition to account for the symptoms, or with no history of COPD/emphysema/chronic bronchitis.
  • involve the nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx, and the large airways.
  • mostly viral but some bacteria eg. S. pyogenes, a Group A streptococcus.
    • rhinovirus (around 80%), adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, enterovirus, and coronavirus

Paediatric URTI

Pathogen Signs and Symptoms
Human Rhinoviruses Wheezing & bronchiolitis
Coronaviruses Runny nose, cough
Respiratory Syncytial Viruses Bronchiolitis <2 years old
Human Metapneumovirus Pneumonia and bronchiolitis
Influenza Viruses Influenza, pneumonia, croup
Parainfluenza Viruses Croup, bronchiolitis
Adenoviruses Palpebral conjunctivitis, eye discharge, pharyngeal erythema
Enteroviruses Herpangina; Aseptic meningitis

Lower respiratory infection

CUH LRTI guidelines


CUH Community Acquired pneumonia

Tuberculosis

References include: