Introduction Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by infection with Legionella bacteria. The illness is named after an outbreak at an American Legion convention in 1976, but cases now occur worldwide. Legionnaires’ disease most commonly affects older…
Introduction Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. The condition can be either acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection and resolves within…
Introduction Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory infection that affects the small airways (bronchioles) in the lungs, primarily in infants and young children under two years of age. It is often referred to as obstructive bronchitis in this age group due…
Introduction Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs (alveoli) in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, causing symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia can range from mild…
Introduction Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that infects the respiratory tract, especially in infants and young children. While RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, it can lead to more serious illnesses such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly…
Introduction Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It most commonly affects the lungs but can also involve other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, bones, kidneys, and brain. TB is a significant…
Introduction Mycoplasma infection is a respiratory illness most commonly caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This infection is often referred to as “walking pneumonia” because symptoms are usually milder than those of typical pneumonia, and many people are able to…
Introduction Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when a person ascends to high altitudes too quickly, typically above 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). At higher elevations, the air contains less oxygen, which can make it difficult for…
Introduction Amoebic infection, also known as amoebiasis, is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica. This infection is most common in areas with poor sanitation and is typically spread through contaminated food or water. While many people infected…
Introduction Dysentery is a type of intestinal infection that causes severe diarrhea with blood and mucus. One of the most common causes of dysentery worldwide is infection with the bacterium Shigella. Shigella dysentery, also known as shigellosis, is highly contagious…
