Respiratory tract infections

Click on the name of the infection in the image above to find out more about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of these respiratory tract infections.

What is a respiratory tract infection (RTI)?

A respiratory tract infection is an infection anywhere in the respiratory tract (i.e. the nose, throat and lungs). The infection can be caused by bacteria, a virus or even fungi.

Upper respiratory tract infections

Upper respiratory tract infections occur above the chest and include:

• colds (affecting the nose, throat, and chest)
• sinusitis (infection of the sinuses)
• throat infection (or pharyngitis — an infection of the throat or pharynx)
• tonsillitis (infection of the tonsils)
• laryngitis (infection of the larynx or voice box)
• influenza (widespread infection which can affect the nose, throat and, occasionally, part of the lungs)
• whooping cough (pertussis)

Middle ear infections (otitis media) are a common complication of a respiratory tract infection.

Lower respiratory tract infections

Lower respiratory tract infections affect the trachea or windpipe and lungs and include:

• bronchitis (infection of the large airways or bronchi)
• bronchiolitis (infection of the small airways or bronchioles)
• croup (infection of the trachea or windpipe in children)
• influenza (widespread infection of the upper and lower respiratory tract including the nose, throat and, occasionally, bronchi and lungs)
• pneumonia (infection of the alveoli and surrounding lung tissue)