Patient Education – Respiratory Infections

(Upper Respiratory Infections like colds, sinusitis, and bronchitis; Lower Respiratory Infections like pneumonia, bronchitis, and lung infections)

1. What It Is

A respiratory infection is an illness that affects your breathing system—your nose, throat, sinuses, airways, or lungs.

• Upper respiratory infections (URI) include the nose, sinuses, and throat.
  
  

• Lower respiratory infections (LRI) affect the lungs and airways, like bronchitis and pneumonia.
  
  

2. Causes and Risk Factors

Causes:

• Viruses (like the common cold or flu)
  
  

• Bacteria (like strep or pneumonia)
  
  

• Fungi (less common, but can happen in weak immune systems)
  
  

Risk Factors:

• Smoking or secondhand smoke
  
  

• Weak immune system (due to illness, age, or medications)
  
  

• Chronic illnesses (COPD, asthma, diabetes)
  
  

• Poor handwashing or being around sick people
  
  

• Cold or damp environments
  
  

3. Signs and Symptoms

Early Warning Signs:

• Stuffy or runny nose
  
  

• Sneezing or sore throat
  
  

• Cough (dry or with mucus)
  
  

• Mild fever or chills
  
  

• Feeling tired
  
  

More Serious Symptoms:

• High fever
  
  

• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
  
  

• Chest pain
  
  

• Cough with yellow/green/bloody mucus
  
  

• Confusion (especially in older adults)
  
  

4. Complications if Untreated or if You Don’t Follow Treatment

• Infection spreading to lungs (pneumonia)
  
  

• Asthma or COPD flare-ups
  
  

• Lung damage or scarring
  
  

• Sepsis (life-threatening infection in the blood)
  
  

5. Treatment and Self-Care Measures

Medical Treatments:

• Antibiotics (only if bacterial—don’t work for viruses)
  
  

• Antivirals (for flu, only if started early)
  
  

• Inhalers or breathing treatments for airway swelling
  
  

• Cough medicines (to help you rest)
  
  

Self-Care at Home:

• Rest and get plenty of sleep
  
  

• Drink lots of fluids
  
  

• Use a humidifier or steam from a shower to loosen mucus
  
  

• Avoid smoking and strong odors
  
  

• Take medications as prescribed—finish antibiotics completely
  
  

6. Common Types of Medications

• Antibiotics – Kill bacteria (possible side effects: diarrhea, nausea, allergic reaction)
  
  

• Antivirals – Shorten flu duration (possible side effects: nausea, dizziness)
  
  

• Bronchodilators – Help open airways (possible side effects: fast heartbeat, shakiness)
  
  

• Steroids – Reduce swelling in airways (possible side effects: weight gain, high blood sugar, mood changes)
  
  

7. Dietary Needs

• Warm soups and teas can soothe the throat and help hydration
  
  

• High-protein foods (chicken, eggs, beans) to help healing
  
  

• Avoid alcohol and excess caffeine (can dehydrate you)
  
  

8. Lifestyle Changes

• Quit smoking
  
  

• Wash hands often
  
  

• Get yearly flu shots and recommended vaccines (pneumonia, COVID-19)
  
  

• Stay away from sick people when possible
  
  

9. Safety Considerations

• Use caution with over-the-counter cold medicines if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes
  
  

• Avoid mixing alcohol with medications
  
  

• If using inhalers, make sure to use proper technique
  
  

10. Prevention & Maintenance Tips

• Stay up-to-date with vaccines
  
  

• Eat healthy to keep your immune system strong
  
  

• Practice good hand hygiene
  
  

• Use a mask in crowded areas during cold/flu season
  
  

When to Call for Help

Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor if:

• Fever over 100.4°F that lasts more than 3 days
  
  

• Worsening cough or mucus that changes color
  
  

• Mild shortness of breath
  
  

• Sore throat or ear pain not improving
  
  

• Side effects from medication
  
  

Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room if:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath at rest
  
  

• Chest pain or pressure
  
  

• Confusion, dizziness, or fainting
  
  

• Lips or face turn blue or gray
  
  

• Coughing up large amounts of blood
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Patient Homework / Assessment

Choose True or False. Correct any false statements.

1. True or False: Most respiratory infections are caused by bacteria.
   
   

2. True or False: Antibiotics work for both viruses and bacteria.
   
   

3. True or False: Smoking can make respiratory infections worse.
   
   

4. True or False: Drinking fluids helps loosen mucus.
   
   

5. True or False: A humidifier can help you breathe easier.
   
   

6. True or False: You should stop antibiotics as soon as you feel better.
   
   

7. True or False: Fever and chills can be signs of a respiratory infection.
   
   

8. True or False: If you have trouble breathing, you should call 911.
   
   

9. True or False: Handwashing is one way to prevent respiratory infections.
   
   

10. True or False: A cough that gets worse could mean the infection is spreading.
    
    

11. True or False: The flu can sometimes lead to pneumonia.
    
    

12. True or False: Green or yellow mucus always means you need antibiotics.
    
    

13. True or False: Over-the-counter cold medicines are safe for everyone.
    
    

14. True or False: Rest helps your body fight infection.
    
    

15. True or False: You should avoid alcohol while taking most medications.
    
    

16. True or False: Using an inhaler incorrectly can make it less effective.
    
    

17. True or False: Vaccines can help prevent some respiratory infections.
    
    

18. True or False: People with COPD should be extra careful during cold and flu season.
    
    

19. True or False: It is safe to share inhalers with family members.
    
    

20. True or False: Trouble breathing is a medical emergency.
    
    

Individualized Patient Questions

• Do you know what type of respiratory infection you have—upper or lower?
  
  

• Have you been told your infection is caused by bacteria or a virus?
  
  

• Are you up-to-date with flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19 vaccines?
  
  

• What medications are you taking for this infection, and do you know their purpose?
  
  

• Have you experienced any side effects from your medications?
  
  

• Do you have other lung conditions, such as asthma or COPD?
  
  

• Have you noticed any changes in your mucus color, thickness, or amount?
  
  

• Are you able to drink enough fluids each day?
  
  

• Do you have access to a humidifier or steam therapy?
  
  

• Do you smoke or live with someone who smokes?
  
  

• Have you been taught how to use your inhaler correctly?
  
  

• Do you know when to call your nurse versus when to go to the ER?