RESPIRATORY INFECTION SEASON – WHAT SHOULD WE KNOW?

Respiratory infections are the most common reason for patients to see their doctor. Although these infections occur throughout the year, the autumn-winter period is the season when colds and more serious respiratory diseases are most common.

We live in a COVID-19 pandemic, but many other pathogens are all around us and can cause respiratory infections in both adults and children.

For proper treatment of the disease, it is always very important to know the true cause of the disease, in order to act in a timely and targeted manner with appropriate therapy. Particular attention should be paid to atypical triggers of respiratory infections, which cannot be demonstrated by classical microbiological methods but by immunofluorescence techniques and / or molecular methods.

Avicena Laboratory has a wide range of tests for detection and identification of different types of bacteria and viruses by various methods. But first let’s see what are the first signs of respiratory infections?

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS?

Depending on which part of the respiratory tract they occupy, respiratory infections can be upper respiratory or lower respiratory infections. Common symptoms include:

• nasal secretions
• stuffy nose
• sneezing
• coughing
• scratching, burning or sore throat
• pain when swallowing
• general weakness
• headache
• difficulty breathing

In addition, there may be muscle pain, mild fever or chills, nausea and loss of appetite. These symptoms last for several days, and if complications occur, even longer.
Respiratory infections are transmitted through close contact with an infected person, through the secretions from sneezing, coughing or objects in the immediate vicinity of the patient. This is especially evident in the winter, when most of the day is spent indoors.

In many cases it is difficult to identify the exact cause of a respiratory infection, especially when it comes to mixed infections. In addition, the symptoms of respiratory infections, whether it be the flu virus, SARS-CoV-2 or another cause, are very similar.

WHICH LABORATORY ANALYSIS DETECT DISEASES OF CAUSES OF RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS?

Causes of respiratory infections are many microorganisms: bacteria, viruses, fungi. The diagnosis should always be based on a detailed examination by a doctor and of course, an accurate laboratory result.
A number of highly sensitive and specific tests are available at Avicenna Laboratory, designed to detect a number of causes of respiratory infections.

• Classic microbiological analyzes for detection of bacteria and viruses (throat swab, nose swab, microbiological analysis of sputum, etc.)

• Molecular PCR test for COVID-19 (RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2)

• PNEUMOSLIDE – test for simultaneous detection of antibodies to 9 bacteria and viruses, causes of respiratory infections, which are not detected by conventional microbiological swabs. The test is done through blood, and the results are obtained the same day.

• Molecular panel for respiratory infections – a highly specific test that simultaneously detects 26 causes of respiratory infections, with a result within 24 hours.
  This test is based on the highly sensitive molecular Real-Time PCR method, which is superior to other methods and techniques, and removes all dilemmas and doubts with just one test!
  • The test can be performed immediately, at the onset of the first symptoms
  • Suitable for both children and adults
  • Antibiotic or any other therapy does not affect the result

• Molecular panel for respiratory infections – a highly specific test that simultaneously detects 40 causes of respiratory infections, with a result within 48 hours.
  • The test can be performed immediately, at the onset of the first symptoms
  • Suitable for both children and adults
  • Antibiotic or any other therapy does not affect the result

With the right choice of appropriate test and consultation with a doctor, it is found out exactly and in time what caused the respiratory infection and appropriate therapy is given. In doing so, the possible development of complications is prevented and valuable time and resources are not lost.

HOW ARE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS TREATED?

If it is a viral infection, antibiotics are not needed! Medications are taken to help reduce fever, muscle pain, nasal congestion drops, etc., accompanied by rest and proper nutrition.
If it is a bacterial infection, take medication on the recommendation of a doctor, aimed at the appropriate cause.