Air pollution is the contamination of the air by any substance that is harmful to humans and other living organisms. This can cause or contribute to various health problems. Starting from mild, to severe and dangerous. One of them is more often known as ISPA.
Harmful gases and particles in the air come from various sources. Including vehicle exhaust fumes, smoke from burning coal or gas, and tobacco smoke. This is what causes air pollution.
Acute respiratory infection (ARI) itself is a disease that is often found with mild to severe manifestations, ARI is also a type of disease that attacks the human respiratory tract, therefore ARI cannot be underestimated. It is important to know what types of ISPA are, what the symptoms are, and how to treat them. ARI is often confused with upper respiratory tract infections. What is true is that ISPA is an abbreviation for Acute Respiratory Tract Infection. ARI includes the upper respiratory tract and lower respiratory tract. ISPA that affects lung tissue or severe ISPA can become pneumonia.
Types of Respiratory Tract Infections:
- Influenza (Flu)
- Pharyngitis
- Otitis Externa
- Otitis Media
- Sinusitis
- Laryngitis
- Bronchitis
- Bronchiliolitis
- Pneumonia
General Symptoms & Signs:
- Fever
- Headache
- Throat pain
- Stuffy nose, runny nose
- Cough
- Breath fast & deep
- Body temperature increases
- Intercostal retraction
- Abnormal lung appearance
- Abnormal blood tests
There are approximately 200 different viruses that can cause flu, one of which is Rhinovirus causing around 50% of cases, Coronavirus 15-20%. And in around 40% of cases the cause cannot be identified. Common symptoms that we often encounter include sneezing, excessive mucus secretion, and a blocked nose. Sinus infections, lower respiratory tract infections, laryngitis, and can occur as complications
ARI is mostly transmitted through indirect contact, one of which is that Rhinovirus grows best at temperatures slightly below normal body temperature. The incidence of flu increases in cold weather, thought to be due to increased individual contact indoors or psychological changes, but antibodies will be produced against certain viruses.
ISPA with mild symptoms can be treated in several simple ways as follows:
- much rest
- consume enough water
- Taking pain relievers
- Sleep with your head higher than your body to facilitate breathing
- Inhale hot steam with added eucalyptus oil or menthol
- Taking cough medicine or cold medicine
If the symptoms do not improve for a long time, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.
Article written by dr. Rudy Kurniawan Putra, Sp.P (Lung and Respiratory Specialist at EMC Cikarang Hospital).