Asthma

Respiratory

A chronic condition in which the airways narrow, swell, and produce extra mucus, making breathing difficult.

Common Symptoms:

shortness of breath wheezing cough chest pain

Risk Factors:

  • Family history
  • Allergies
  • Obesity

Seek care: If you have rapid worsening of shortness of breath, no improvement after using inhaler, or shortness of breath with minimal activity.

Common Cold

Respiratory

A viral infection of the upper respiratory tract causing mild symptoms that typically resolve within 7-10 days.

Common Symptoms:

headache fever cough sore throat fatigue nasal congestion +2 more

Risk Factors:

  • Weakened immune system
  • Cold weather exposure
  • Close contact with infected individuals

Seek care: If symptoms last more than 10 days, fever exceeds 103F (39.4C), or symptoms worsen after initial improvement.

Influenza (Flu)

Respiratory

A contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, often more severe than a cold with sudden onset.

Common Symptoms:

fever cough fatigue headache muscle aches chills +2 more

Risk Factors:

  • Age over 65
  • Chronic conditions
  • Pregnancy

Seek care: If you have difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, or severe vomiting.

Pneumonia

Respiratory

An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus.

Common Symptoms:

cough fever chills shortness of breath chest pain fatigue +2 more

Risk Factors:

  • Age over 65 or under 2
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Smoking

Seek care: If you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent fever of 102F or higher, or cough with pus.

Sinusitis

Respiratory

Inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses, often caused by infection.

Common Symptoms:

nasal congestion headache fever cough fatigue ear pain +1 more

Risk Factors:

  • Allergic rhinitis
  • Nasal polyps
  • Deviated septum

Seek care: If symptoms last more than 10 days, fever over 102F, or symptoms worsen after initial improvement.