COMPLICATION THAT MAY FOLLOW A COLD OR INFLUENZA: LARYNGITIS AND PNEUMONIA

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Because the respiratory tract is a series of cavities (sinuses, lungs etc.), connected by air passages, viruses can spread from the nose to the sinuses and throat and into the middle ear trachea, larynx, bronchial tubes and lungs. Secondary infections spreading to these locations can cause complications, some quite serious.

Laryngitis is a bacterial or viral infection of the larynx or voice box located at the top of the trachea (windpipe). The common cold virus is often the culprit, in which case medical treatment may be of little help. The infection causes inflammation of the mucous membranes of the larynx and vocal cords. Laryngitis is a common occurrence toward the end of a cold. Although fever and other flu-like symptoms may occur, the characteristic symptom is hoarseness which may be followed by loss of voice. When due to a viral infection, the voice returns as soon as the cold or flu ends. If voicelessness persists, a doctor should be consulted to determine the possible existence of a bacterial infection. Self-treatment includes staying at home and resting if possible, and bolstering immunocompetence by practicing the same therapies recommended for a cold.

Pneumonia is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of forms of inflammation of the lungs, ranging from a mild complication following an upper respiratory tract infection to a life-threatening disease. In all cases, the alveoli or gas exchange cells lining the lungs become infected, either by a virus or bacteria. Bacterial pneumonia is fairly easy to cure with antibiotics, bed rest and soothing cough medicines but recovery from viral pneumonia can take weeks and may require breathing oxygen.

It is interesting to note that most cases of pneumonia occur in people with low immunocompetence.

Symptoms of pneumonia include a fever which may rise to 105°F with abrupt chills and sweating, a painful cough, a sharp chest pain while breathing, breathing difficulty while resting, blood in the sputum, and a bluish tinge to the skin.

Pneumonia is a common complication following a bout with cold or flu but in persons with low immunocompetence it can be precipitated by a variety of causes ranging from physical accident and trauma to emotional stress resulting from divorce or loss of a loved one.

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