Your cough could be hiding pneumonia, and you don’t realize it. Respiratory conditions like tuberculosis, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumonia often start mild, but they become chronic and serious. This usually happens because people ignore the early signs: cough, low-grade fever, fatigue, or throat irritation.

The person continues with daily activities, unaware that the infection is affecting their lungs, until one day they struggle to catch breath and end up in the emergency. If you recognize the common signs of respiratory infection, you can get checked earlier, avoid hospitalization and hefty medical bills.

On top of that, early care helps prevent the infection from spreading to kids, people with underlying health conditions, and older adults who are more likely to develop serious complications like respiratory failure. Let’s break down the most common signs of respiratory infection and the red flags.

Understanding Respiratory Infections

The respiratory system is a part of our body that helps us breathe. Air goes in through our nose or mouth, down the throat, and into the lungs. A respiratory infection happens when germs (viruses/bacteria) get in there and start causing trouble.

Respiratory infections are generally classified into two main categories:

• Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs)

Upper respiratory tract infections affect the nose, sinuses, throat, and voice box (examples: common cold, sinusitis, mild throat infections). These are usually mild and self-limiting.

• Lower respiratory infections (LRTIs)

These infections affect the trachea, bronchi, and lungs (examples: bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and RSV in adults or kids). Lower respiratory infections are often severe and may impair breathing.

​Despite differences in severity, many respiratory infections share similar signs and symptoms.

Common Signs of Respiratory Infection

1. Cough

This is often the first symptom of a respiratory infection. A dry cough is often associated with viral infections, such as the flu, while a productive cough that brings up mucus may indicate a bacterial infection or bronchitis. A persistent or worsening cough, accompanied by chest pain or blood, signal a more serious condition.

1. Fever and Chills

Your body raises its temperature to fight germs. Mild infections may cause a low fever, while more severe infections, such as pneumonia, cause a high fever along with chills and sweating.

1. Nasal Congestion and Runny Nose

It’s a hallmark sign of respiratory infections, particularly colds and sinus infections. Your body makes extra mucus to trap germs. The mucus is usually clear in viral infections or thick and yellow-green in bacterial infections. 

1. Sore Throat

It is commonly associated with upper respiratory infections. A sore throat can feel like sandpaper when you swallow or talk. It happens because germs irritate the lining of your throat.

1. Shortness of Breath

Also known as dyspnea, is a serious sign that often points to a deeper lung infection. This symptom is particularly common in pneumonia, severe bronchitis, and COVID-19.

1. Chest Discomfort or Pain

Chest pain is a symptom of respiratory infection that happens due to inflammation of the airways or excessive coughing. This pain is usually mild and sharp, worsening during coughing or deep breathing. Dry painful cough with chest pain may be a sign of lung inflammation.

1. Feeling Tired for No Clear Reason

Fighting infection depletes energy. You feel tired and achy. In mild infections, fatigue may be temporary, while in more severe or prolonged infections, it can last for weeks.

1. Loss of Appetite

A reduced appetite is another common sign of respiratory infections. Fever, sore throat, nausea, or general discomfort can make eating less appealing.

1. Wheezing and Noisy Breathing

Wheezing sounds like a whistle when you breathe in or out. It means the airways are narrowed or irritated. It’s common in bronchitis, asthma-related infections, and some viral respiratory infections.

Different Symptoms Based on Age and Health Status

The respiratory infection signs can vary depending on a person’s age and underlying health conditions.

• Infants and young children may show irritability, difficulty feeding, or rapid breathing.
• Older adults may present with confusion or worsening of existing health conditions.
• Those with weakened immune systems may experience more severe symptoms and longer recovery times.

Signs of a More Serious Respiratory Infection

• Severe Shortness of Breath
• Blue Lips or Fingernails
• High Fever That Doesn’t Come Down
• Fast Breathing or Difficulty Speaking
• Chest Pain While Breathing
• Confusion or Dizziness

How Coppell ER Diagnoses Respiratory Infections

• Medical History and Symptom Review: Doctors ask about your symptoms, when they started, and any underlying health conditions to understand the problem.
• Physical Exam: A quick check of your lungs, throat, and vital signs helps spot breathing difficulties or signs of infection.
• Chest X-ray: Imaging lets doctors see if the lungs are inflamed, congested, or showing signs of pneumonia.
• Blood Tests: Blood tests can detect infections, inflammation, or other conditions that affect your breathing.
• Flu, RSV, and COVID Tests: Rapid testing helps identify common viral infections that affect the lungs.
• Oxygen Saturation Check: A simple, painless test measures the amount of oxygen in your blood to ensure your body is getting enough air.

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How to Reduce Your Risk of Respiratory Infections

You can reduce your risk of getting sick by following these habits:

• Wash Your Hands Regularly: Clean hands remove germs and prevent them from entering your nose or mouth.
• Stay Up to Date on Vaccines: Flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia vaccines help protect against serious infections, especially for children and older adults.
• Avoid Crowded Spaces When Sick: Staying away from others when you’re ill helps prevent the spread of infections.
• Keep Allergies Under Control: Managing allergies reduces irritation in your airways, which can worsen infections.
• Don’t Smoke or Vape: Smoking and vaping weaken the lungs and increase the risk of severe respiratory infections.

Final Thoughts

Respiratory infections are common, especially during colder months when everyone’s packed indoors. Recognizing common signs of respiratory infection can help you act quickly and avoid complications. If your symptoms don’t go away, get checked at the ER Coppell, which is available day and night, every day of the week, including weekends.

We’re in your neighborhood, which ensures that if someone is catching for their breath, oxygen therapy is minutes away. Our facility offers on-site scans that enable doctors to diagnose pneumonia and other lung conditions right away and initiate treatment.

FAQs

1. What is the first sign of a respiratory infection?

The first signs of a respiratory infection are often a cough, sore throat, and a runny or stuffy nose. These symptoms show your body is reacting to germs in your airways. Noticing them early can help prevent the infection from worsening.

2. How long do respiratory infections last?

Most mild respiratory infections, like a common cold, typically resolve within 5 to 10 days. More serious infections can last longer and may need medical attention to avoid complications.

3. Are respiratory infections contagious?

Yes, respiratory infections spread through droplets when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks. Being close to someone who is sick or touching contaminated surfaces can also spread the infection.

4. What’s the difference between upper and lower respiratory infections?

Upper respiratory infections affect the nose, throat, and sinuses, causing symptoms such as congestion, sore throat, and sneezing. Lower respiratory infections affect the lungs and airways, leading to more serious symptoms, including chest tightness, shortness of breath, and a persistent cough.

5. When should I take my child to the ER for breathing problems?

Take your child to the ER right away if they have trouble breathing, breathe quickly or with effort, have blue lips or fingernails, a high fever that doesn’t improve, or symptoms that worsen after a few days.