Why Test for Respiratory Co-infections?

Co-infections can have varying effects. They can have no impact on the primary cause of illness. They can make a primary respiratory infection worse. Or they can be beneficial. These outcomes can happen on multiple levels of interactions, whether in the illness itself or in the combination of drugs used to treat the illness. What is more important is when co-infections are present, they can complicate the primary infection, leading to far worse outcomes for your health.

It is becoming more common that COVID-19 will happen with existing infections. While it isn’t a high percentage at this point in time, the evidence is present. In cases where COVID-19 is severe or has been present for a long time, other opportunistic infections are impacting overall health. Understanding when co-infections will lead to more problematic health concerns is very important.

A respiratory co-infection happens when you have multiple infections of the respiratory system at the same time. This can be seen in individuals who have COVID-19 and become infected with bacterial pneumonia. This can happen when sinusitis is left untreated and can lead to meningitis. Each infection is capable of developing on its own but may find an opportunity when you are already infected by something else. 

Respiratory tract infections are infections of the body’s breathing system and includes the sinuses, airways, throat, and lungs. Most of the time your respiratory tract infection will go away on its own, as most of them are viral infections. There are times when you may need to see a doctor.

Respiratory infections have a number of common symptoms and pointing out one that is most common is difficult. The symptoms include:

– Coughing
– Sneezing
– Runny or stuffy nose
– Headaches
– Sore throat
– Tight chest, breathlessness, or wheezing
– Muscle aches
– Fever
– A general unwell feeling

Your healthcare provider will often diagnose a respiratory infection based on your symptoms and a physical exam. They will look in your nose, throat, and ears. They will listen to your chest and check your breathing. Most of the time you will not need other tests.

If there are concerns that you may have some kind of infection, other tests may be required that include:

– Lung X-ray
– Lung Ct scan
– Pulmonary functions test, or oxygen test
– Throat swab
– Nasal swab
– Sputum test (for this test you cough up sputum or phlegm to be examined)

Express Healthcare provides testing for all kinds of illnesses including respiratory tract infections. Since COVID-19 is still a concern and the winter months are coming up soon, con-infections are quite likely. We can provide quick diagnoses of many of these common infections and get you started on the treatment you need. We provide walk-ins and can make appointments to help you when you need them. We are conveniently located at 4701 Melbourne Place College Park, MD 20740. We serve patients from College Park MD, New Carrollton MD, Berwyn Heights MD, White Oak MD, Seabrook MD, Laurel MD, Springdale MD, Mitchellville MD and surrounding areas.