OVERVIEW. The most common disorders of the respiratory tract are bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, sinusitis

The most common disorders of the respiratory tract are bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and some others. Bronchitis is the inflammation ofthe mucous membranes that line the main air passageways of the lungs. The cause of bronchitis is the viral infections. The infection spreads to the bronchi, producing the deep cough, soreness and feeling of constriction in the chest, breathlessness, chill, and slight fever. Rest, drinking extra liquids, and cough medicines are the cornerstones of treatment of bronchitis. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the tissues of the lungs. The causes of pneumonia are different. Among them are bacteria; influenza and other viruses; and chemical irritants. Cough, breathlessness, pain in the chest, chill, and high fever are the major signs and symptoms of pneumonia. The treatment may include antibiotics as penicillin or erythromycin. Hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases. Pharyngitis is a sore throat. A bacterium or virus causes acute pharyngitis. The chronic form can be caused by a continuing infection of the sinuses, lungs, or mouth that spreads to the pharynx. The patient can relieve the pain by gargling with warm salt water several times a day. Tonsillitis is an inflammation of tonsils. The symptoms are a sore throat, headache and fever. Drinking soothing fluids and gargling with warm salt water several times a day help lessen the pain. If a bacterial infection is the cause of the throat, the physician will prescribe a course of oral antibiotic therapy.