What symptom distinguishes a respiratory infection?

A respiratory infection is primarily characterized by symptoms that are associated with the respiratory system. Coughing and sneezing are common reactions to irritants in the respiratory tract, including viruses or bacteria that cause infections.

When the body detects an infection, it triggers a response that often results in inflammation of the airways and lungs, leading to excessive mucus production. This, combined with efforts to clear the irritants or pathogens, results in coughing. Sneezing, on the other hand, serves as a mechanism to expel irritants from the nasal passages.

These symptoms are specific to respiratory conditions, making them key indicators of possible respiratory infections like the flu, the common cold, or pneumonia. The presence of both coughing and sneezing helps healthcare professionals assess the likelihood of a respiratory infection effectively.

Other symptoms mentioned in the options are not typically connected to respiratory infections, as they pertain to different body systems or conditions.