Which of the following is NOT listed as an upper respiratory tract disorder?

• A. Acute bronchitis
• B. Sleep apnea
• C. Pneumonia
• D. Tuberculosis

Answer: (B)

Understanding how disorders are grouped helps. Upper respiratory tract disorders involve infections or inflammation of the nose, sinuses, pharynx, or larynx. Acute bronchitis affects the bronchial tubes in the lower airway, so it’s categorized as a lower respiratory tract issue. Pneumonia is infection of the lung tissue deep in the lungs, a classic lower tract problem. Tuberculosis typically presents as lung disease and is considered a lower respiratory tract infection as well. Sleep apnea, on the other hand, is a disorder of breathing during sleep caused by obstruction or control issues in the upper airway. It isn’t an infection or inflammatory disease of the upper airway mucosa, so it isn’t listed among upper respiratory tract disorders. Therefore, sleep apnea is the correct choice.