Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Report

Upper respiratory tract infection occurs commonly in both children and adults and is a major cause of mild morbidity. It has a high cost to society, being responsible for absenteeism from school and work and unnecessary medical care, and is occasionally associated with serious discomfort. The two most common infections that affect the respiratory tract system are the bacteria and the viruses. “Respiratory tract infections are particularly common in children; most are self-limiting and the risk of complications is small” (Thompson, 2013, 3). Respiratory tract infections can include rhinitis, pharyngitis/ tonsillitis, and laryngitis often referred to as a common cold. Another life-threatening upper respiratory tract infection is the epiglottitis.