Health A-Z

Clinical Definition A respiratory infection is considered an infectious disease, such as pneumonia, influenza and the common cold, which affects the respiratory tract. Respiratory infections may affect the upper respiratory tract, lower respiratory tract, or both.  A respiratory infection may be caused by a viral or bacterial pathogen and may range from mild to severe.…

Clinical Definition Respiratory syncytial virus is an infection caused by the virus from the Pneumovirus genus. Although healthy adults can become infected, it usually results in a mild respiratory infection. In young children, it tends to cause inflammation of the bronchioles. In some cases, it may also lead to bronchopneumonia and respiratory failure. The infection…