Wilderness and Rescue Medicine 7th Edition Jeffrey Isaac, PA-C and David E. Johnson, MD

Section VI: Backcountry Medicine 225

Chapter 30 Review: Respiratory Infection

• Respiratory infection in otherwise healthy people is usually caused by a virus, or less commonly, a bacterium. • Respiratory infection can occur anywhere in the airway causing sore throat, bronchitis, or pneumonia. • People at higher risk for complications and serious infection include infants, the elderly, asthmatics, and people with impaired immunity. • A respiratory infection that causes airway obstruction or other respiratory distress is considered serious. • Treatment of serious infection includes PROP, antibiotics, and emergency evacuation. • Treatment of not serious infection is directed at relieving symptoms and maintaining hydration and calories. Evacuation is non-urgent or deferred.