According to Gatt et al. (2023), respiratory diseases cause significant morbidity and mortality across all age groups. Bronchitis and RSV respiratory infections are the most common ones, with infants considered to be more predisposed; however, adults can also develop this condition. Pathophysiology is fundamental for respiratory diseases as it provides doctors with accurate diagnosis and treatment, leading to better outcomes. Moreover, RSV and bronchitis should be fully understood to enable effective immunizations, therapies, or prevention. This paper will discuss the pathophysiology of RSV and bronchitis, clinical symptoms used to identify this condition or its related symptoms, diagnosis procedures available to diagnose this disorder among people suffering from it, and treatment options preferred when such illness appears. Research breakthroughs on either researching those looking at developing cure
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Pathology
Gatt et al. (2023) argue that the Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a severe respiratory virus. Barr et al. (2019) noted that RSV causes 22% of children’s acute lower respiratory tract infections globally. RSV is a Paramyxoviridae virus that causes respiratory disease lipid membranes with glycoprotein spikes. Unlike other respiratory diseases, it is a pneumovirus. RSV replicates in the respiratory tract once it gets into the airways. Interaction of RSV pathogenicity involves glycosaminoglycan and CX3C chemokine receptor one. RSV evades host immune surveillance by inhibiting interferon and antigen presentation. RSV inflammation-related proinflammatory cytokines have led to airway hyperreactivity, mucus production, and bronchoconstriction. Such conditions lead to severe respiratory distress in infants and the elderly, making them more prone. RSV symptoms include coughing, wheezing, fever, and breathing problems (Rao et al., 2023). Diagnosis of RSV includes viral culture, antigen detection, and molecular testing.
Pathology of Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a prevalent respiratory disease characterized by airway inflammation and multiple other symptoms. Barr et al. 2019 reported that among infants aged less than one year in the UK, bronchiolitis accounted for up to 24 %. According to the study by Amir Kirolos et al. (2020), chronic bronchitis is caused by air pollution, and smoking increases the likelihood of COPD. Chronic bronchitis may lead to inflammation, irritation of the air sacs’ wall, and mucus production with subsequent reduction in the normal flow of blood through vessels within the lung tissue. Coughing out the phlegm in the chest, Chest pain, and difficulty breathing predispose to bronchitis. Acute bronchitis usually clears up within a few weeks, while chronic one causes a cough that lasts at least three months and produces phlegm for two years. Pulmonary function testing may be required to diagnose chronic and acute bronchitis, among many respiratory disorders.
Comparing RSV and Bronchitis Pathology
Understanding the pathophysiology of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and bronchitis is crucial since both respiratory illnesses have similarities and significant differences. Both bronchitis and RSV are respiratory tract infections (Rao et al., 2023). Inflammation of the airways may induce coughing, mucus production, and airway blockage—viruses, including RSV, cause bronchitis and respiratory disorders. However, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Pathology is caused by a virus, while a bacterium causes bronchitis. Despite ailments affecting both adults and children, chronic bronchitis is generally caused by long-term exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke (Jonathan & Elana, 2023). Additionally, RSV causes bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children by targeting the lower respiratory tract. In contrast, bronchitis affects the bronchial tubes and may cause persistent inflammation in the larger airways, a typical hallmark of COPD.
Conclusion
This research critically and comprehensively reviewed Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) pathogenesis and bronchitis. RSV affects children by causing virus-induced inflammation of the tiny airways, whereas bronchitis affects people of all ages and involves bronchial tube inflammation caused by viral or bacterial infections. These disorders should be understood for appropriate respiratory therapy diagnosis and treatment. Research is underway to better our knowledge and management of various respiratory disorders, highlighting the relevance of this topic in healthcare.
References
Amir Kirolos, Manti, S., Blacow, R., Tse, G., Wilson, T. W., Lister, M., Cunningham, S., Campbell, A., Nair, H., Reeves, R. M., Fernandes, R. M., Campbell, H., Douglas, A. G., Meijer, A., Thea Kølsen Fischer, Heikkinen, T., Giaquinto, C., Knirsch, C., Stoszek, S. K., & Leach, A. (2020). A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Bronchiolitis. The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 222(Supplement_7), S672–S679. https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/jiz240
Barr, R., Green, C. A., Sande, C. J., & Drysdale, S. B. (2019). Respiratory syncytial virus: Diagnosis, prevention and management. Therapeutic Advances in Infectious Disease, 6, 204993611986579. https://doi.org/10.1177/2049936119865798
Gatt, D., Isabel Rodríguez Martín, Rawan AlFouzan, & Moraes, T. J. (2023). Prevention and Treatment Strategies for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Pathogens, 12(2), 154–154. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens12020154
Jonathan, M. M., & Elana, P. B.-J. (2023). Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) (for Parents) – Nemours KidsHealth. Kidshealth.org. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/rsv.html
Rao, S., Armistead, I., Messacar, K., Alden, N. B., Schmoll, E., Austin, E., & Dominguez, S. R. (2023). Shifting Epidemiology and Severity of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Children During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Pediatrics, 177(7), 730–730. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.1088
write