Respiratory Conditions

The respiratory system is a complex network of organs and tissues that help you breathe. Including airways and blood vessels, the main organs of the respiratory system are your lungs. Other respiratory organs include the nose, trachea and breathing muscles, including the diaphragm.

Respiratory infections can start with cold symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, cough and headache. Symptoms of a bad cold or upper respiratory infection may last up to 21 days and cause a dry hacking cough that may wake you from a deep sleep.

Types of Respiratory Conditions

Early intervention reduces symptoms and complications from respiratory infections, especially for at-risk populations such as infants, frail seniors and pregnant people. Patients with chronic conditions like heart disease or asthma are also at high risk.

• Asthma. A chronic respiratory disorder when inflammation in the airways makes breathing difficult. Airways become narrow, swollen and blocked by mucus.
• Exercise-induced asthma. Triggered by exercise and intense activity, “exercise-induced bronchospasm” may resolve on its own. Cough suppressants and medications may also be prescribed for symptom relief.
• Bronchitis. Tubes at the bottom of your windpipe that connect into each lung can become infected. Acute bronchitis usually stems from a bad cold or another virus that doesn’t go away.
• Coronavirus. COVID often leads to respiratory conditions and breathing distress. Respiratory failure, as a result of COVID, can develop quickly and requires emergency care.
• Environmental factors. Patients may develop respiratory irritation from allergens, toxins, air pollution and cigarette smoke. They’re especially harmful to infants whose immune systems haven’t fully developed yet.
• Lung inflammation. When you breathe normally, muscles around your airways relax, letting oxygen move easily. When organs of the respiratory system are inflamed, it interferes with breathing.
• Laryngitis (voice box). Persistent hoarseness can be caused by cigarette smoke, frequent shouting and exposure to air pollutants like dust. You may have to see a specialist for help.
• Pneumonia. To diagnose pneumonia, urgent care providers will ask about your medical history and conduct a physical exam, including listening to your lungs with a stethoscope.
• Persistent cough. A lingering cough may indicate several different respiratory conditions, such as cold, flu and COVID.
• RSV infection. Sinus inflammation and a barking cough may hint at Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Fevers (above 99 F and below 103 °F) can accompany RSV.
• Sore throat. Symptoms include a runny nose, scratchy throat and cough. Treatment for upper respiratory infections often includes rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain relievers.

For colds, minor coughs and sore throats, doctors may recommend resting at home, drinking liquids and managing chest discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers.

When to go to urgent care for breathing problems

A healthcare provider will review your medical history, including health conditions in your family. They may take X-rays, listen to your chest and help create a treatment plan with your primary care doctor to ease discomfort and slow disease progression.

Emergency symptoms of respiratory infections are shortness of breath, wheezing, high fever, a bluish tint to the skin and a worsening cough.