Last Updated on March 31, 2025 by Analgesia team
IRTI Medical Medical
IRTI is a medical abbreviation for infrared thermal imaging, which can be used to help diagnose acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs). IRTI can provide an objective and quantifiable reference for visual diagnosis.
Respiratory tract infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria and are contagious. They can spread through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing or by touching your mouth or nose after touching an infected surface or person.
Key points about respiratory tract infections:
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Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs):Affects the nose, sinuses, and throat, including the common cold, sore throat, and sinusitis.
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Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs):
Affects the airways and lungs, including bronchitis, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia.
Common causes of respiratory tract infections:
- Viruses like rhinovirus (common cold), influenza virus (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae
Treatment for RTIs depends on the cause:
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Viral infectionsUsually, they clear up on their own after a few weeks, and antibiotics won’t help.
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Bacterial infections
A doctor may prescribe antibiotics, which you should complete even if you start to feel better.
Some examples of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) include the common cold, laryngitis, and pharyngitis. Some examples of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) include acute bronchitis, pneumonia, and tracheitis