when to get treatment for upper respitory

Symptoms

How is acute upper respiratory infection treated? URIs are mostly treated for relief of symptoms. Some people benefit from the use of cough suppressants, expectorants, vitamin C, and zinc to reduce symptoms or shorten the duration. Other treatments include the following: Nasal decongestants can improve breathing.

Causes

An upper respiratory infection results in inflammation in the nose, throat, sinuses, larynx and pharynx often due to cold viruses. You may need to see a doctor for an upper respiratory infection if you develop a fever, pain, sore throat or symptoms of a bacterial infection.

Prevention

And if your child has worrying symptoms, such as a high fever or difficulty breathing, contact your provider or go to the emergency room. Common respiratory infections among children include: Bronchiolitis, an infection that causes wheezing and coughing. Common cold, which usually involves a runny nose, cough and feeling run-down.

Complications

Although upper respiratory infections can happen at any time, they are most common in the fall and winter months, from September until March. This may be explained because these are the usual school months when children and adolescents spend a lot of time in groups and inside closed doors.

How is an acute upper respiratory infection treated?

When to see a doctor for an upper respiratory infection?

When to go to the ER for a child with respiratory infection?

What is the most common season for upper respiratory infection?

When should I go to the doctor for respiratory?

However, it is important to see a medical professional if any of the following occur: Fever over 102 for more than 3 days. Get worse instead of better, especially after 10 days. Difficulty breathing, suffering shortness of breath, or wheezing.

How do you rule out an upper respiratory infection?

Tests that may be used to diagnose URIs are:Throat swab: Rapid antigen detection can be used to diagnose group A beta-hemolytic strep quickly.Lateral neck X-rays: This test may be ordered to rule out epiglottitis if you have difficulty breathing.Chest X-ray: Your doctor may order this test if they suspect pneumonia.More items...

How do I know if I need antibiotics for upper respiratory infection?

Antibiotic use should be reserved for moderate symptoms that are not improving after 10 days or that worsen after five to seven days, and severe symptoms. When to treat with an antibiotic: S. pyogenes (group A streptococcus infection). Symptoms of sore throat, fever, headache.

How do I know if my upper respiratory infection is viral or bacterial?

Bacterial InfectionsSymptoms persist longer than the expected 10-14 days a virus tends to last.Fever is higher than one might typically expect from a virus.Fever gets worse a few days into the illness rather than improving.

What are the respiratory symptoms of Covid?

You may have a dry cough or a sore throat. Some people have pneumonia, a lung infection in which the alveoli are inflamed. Doctors can see signs of respiratory inflammation on a chest X-ray or CT scan.

How can a doctor tell if you have an upper respiratory infection?

How are upper respiratory infections diagnosed? Your healthcare provider may diagnose the infection based on a physical exam and your symptoms. They'll look in your nose, ears and throat and listen to your chest to examine your breathing. You often don't need other tests.

What are three common respiratory infections?

General ConceptsUpper Respiratory Infections: Common Cold, Sinusitis, Pharyngitis, Epiglottitis and Laryngotracheitis. Etiology: Most upper respiratory infections are of viral etiology. ... Lower Respiratory Infections: Bronchitis, Bronchiolitis and Pneumonia.

How can you tell if you have a lung infection?

If you have a lung infection, here are the most common symptoms to expect:Cough that produces thick mucus. Coughing helps to rid your body of the mucus produced from inflammation of the airways and lungs. ... Stabbing chest pains. ... Fever. ... Body aches. ... Runny nose. ... Shortness of breath. ... Fatigue. ... Wheezing.More items...•

What are 4 types of respiratory infections?

Differences Between the Most Common Respiratory Infections. Four of the most common types of respiratory infections are COVID-19, the flu, pneumococcal disease, and colds.

What are the 5 stages of viral infection?

The life cycle of viruses can differ greatly between species and category of virus, but they follow the same basic stages for viral replication. The viral life cycle can be divided into several major stages: attachment, entry, uncoating, replication, maturation, and release.

Can an upper respiratory infection turn into pneumonia?

According to the American Lung Association, certain bacteria and viruses responsible for URIs can lead to pneumonia. The bacteria most often responsible for pneumonia are Streptococcus pneumoniae.

How long are you contagious with upper respiratory infection?

How long are people contagious? Acute viral URI last on average 7 to 11 days but may last up to 14 days. However, the most contagious period is during the first 2 or 3 days that a person has symptoms, and rarely after 1 week.

What is a respiratory infection?

A respiratory tract infection affects the respiratory system, the part of your body responsible for breathing. These infections can affect your sinuses, throat, lungs or airways. There are two types of respiratory infections:

What is an upper respiratory infection?

These infections affect your sinuses and throat. Upper respiratory infections include:

What is a lower respiratory infection?

A lower respiratory infection affects the airways and lungs. In general, lower respiratory infections last longer and are more serious. These infections include:

What causes upper respiratory infections?

You get an upper respiratory infection when a virus (or bacteria) enters your respiratory system. For example, you might touch an infected surface or shake hands with a person who’s sick. You then touch your mouth, nose or eyes. The germs from your hands enter and infect your body.

How are upper respiratory infections diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider may diagnose the infection based on a physical exam and your symptoms. They’ll look in your nose, ears and throat and listen to your chest to examine your breathing. You often don’t need other tests.

Are upper respiratory infections contagious?

Yes, upper respiratory infections are contagious. They pass from person to person through respiratory droplets or hand-to-hand contact. People who have an upper respiratory infection can pass it to others through:

How long do upper respiratory infections last?

Upper respiratory infections typically last one to two weeks. Most of the time, they go away on their own. Over-the-counter pain medications can help you feel better. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

What is the best treatment for upper respiratory infections?

Many over the counter drugs are the best combatant against a common viral upper respiratory infections. In some cases, antivirals are prescribed, but usually, patients can best be served by using a myriad of over the counter medicines in combination with home remedies and a few different foods.

How to tell if an infection is viral or bacterial?

Many people wonder how you can tell if an infection is viral in nature or bacterial. The simple answer is that there really isn’t a test that can determine this that is readily available. Viruses often have a rapid onset , and brings with it fever right away . Bacterial infections may not present with a fever, or if they do, it’s much later, ...

How long does a viral infection last?

Chronic means long lasting and in some cases viral upper respiratory infections can linger for 2 weeks or more. If you suspect that you have a chronic infection you should mention these concerns to a doctor.

How long does a fever last with a yellow discharge?

If you have green or yellow discharge, and your symptoms have lasted more than 10 days, you should see a doctor. SmartDocMD is an online doctor service that is available to patients like you.

Where do upper respiratory infections occur?

Upper respiratory infections occur in the lungs, chest, sinuses, and throat. Viral germs are spread easily from one person to another when infected people cough, sneeze, touch their nose, or rub their eyes, and distribute tiny droplets of the virus to surfaces or the air. It is important to determine if your upper respiratory infection is caused by ...

What is SmartdocMD?

SmartDocMD is an online doctor service that is available to patients like you. Many times patients suspect that they just have a cold, and wait it out. This is a good rule of thumb unless you have some serious symptoms that are bothering you. Shortness of breath, or trouble breathing should be taken seriously.

Can sinus infections be shrugged away?

Chronic infections in the chest or sinus should not be shrugged away. Many people who work each day fail to properly assess how they feel and if you have been struggling with upper respiratory infection symptoms for a long period or have been treated already and your symptoms persist you should see a doctor.

What is the purpose of a CT scan for sinus infection?

CT scan can determine the extent of sinus inflammation, the formation of an abscess, or the spread of infection into adjacent structures (cavity of the eye or the brain). A man takes cough medication (antitussives) to reduce the cough of his upper respiratory infection.

What is the common cold?

The common cold refers to a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Characteristic symptoms of the common cold include. cough, stuffy or. runny nose, scratchy or. sore throat, sneezing. Read more symptoms of the common cold ».

What is zinc supplement?

Oral zinc supplementation has been used in recent years to shorten the duration and reduce the severity of symptoms of upper respiratory infection and the common cold. This therapy has been studied in children with an upper respiratory infection and the results are mixed.

What is upper respiratory infection?

An upper respiratory tract infection, or upper respiratory infection, is an infectious process of any of the components of the upper airway. Infection of the specific areas of the upper respiratory tract can be named specifically.

What is the purpose of zinc nasal gel?

Topical nasal zinc products (Zicam nasal gel) have been also used to attenuate the symptoms of upper respiratory infection. Some studies suggest the loss of the sense of smell ( anosmia) associated with the use of this over-the-counter product.

What is the best treatment for croup?

Treatment my incorporate the use of a humidifier, saline nasal spray, and pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

What is the term for a virus that causes a single nucleus?

Infectious mononucleosis is a virus infection in which there is an increase of white blood cells that are mononuclear (with a single nucleus) "Mono" and "kissing disease" are popular terms for this very common illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

What are the symptoms of a cold and flu?

Viruses cause the common cold and the flu. Early symptoms and signs for a cold and the flu are similar, however, flu symptoms are typically more severe than cold symptoms. Cold and flu viruses are transmitted typically via coughing or sneezing.

How long is strep throat contagious?

Incubation period for strep throat is 1-5 days after exposure. If strep throat is treated with antibiotics, it is no longer contagious after 24 hours; if it is not treated with antibiotics, it is contagious for 2-3 weeks.

What are the symptoms of strep throat?

It usually causes sudden sore throat, painful swallowing, swollen tonsils, red spots on the roof of your mouth, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. Headache, upper stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting are also common symptoms, especially in children. Strep throat bacteria is spread by droplets from coughing or sneezing.

What is the name of the virus that causes a droplet in the throat?

If these droplets enter your mouth or nose, you can become infected with the flu virus. Streptococcus bacteria. S. pyogenes is a Group A streptococcus bacteria that causes an infection in your throat and tonsils. This is often called strep throat.

What is the stomach flu?

Coronavirus. Sometimes an infection is also caused by: Influenza A and B viruses. Influenza viruses are often called the “ stomach flu ,” but stomach symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea aren’t typical symptoms, though they are more common in babies and children than adults.

What is upper respiratory infection?

What is an upper respiratory infection? An upper respiratory infection results in inflammation in the nose, throat, sinuses, larynx and pharynx often due to cold viruses. You may need to see a doctor for an upper respiratory infection if you develop a fever, pain, sore throat or symptoms of a bacterial infection.

How does strep throat spread?

Strep throat bacteria is spread by droplets from coughing or sneezing. If you breathe in those droplets, drink from the same glass or eat from the same plate as people who have strep throat, or touch something with droplets and then touch your mouth or nose, you may develop an infection.

How to make a sore throat spray?

Soothe a sore throat. Gargle with warm salt water. Make salt water by dissolving ¼ teaspoon salt in 1 cup warm water. You may also suck on hard candy or throat lozenges. You may use a sore throat spray. Use a humidifier or vaporizer. Use a cool mist humidifier or a vaporizer to increase air moisture in your home.

How to get rid of coughing and sneezing?

Rest as much as possible. Slowly start to do more each day. Drink more liquids as directed. Liquids will help thin and loosen mucus so you can cough it up. Liquids will also help prevent dehydration. Liquids that help prevent dehydration include water, fruit juice, and broth. Do not drink liquids that contain caffeine.

What is the best cough medicine?

Ask your healthcare provider which type of cough medicine is best for you. NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you.

How to get rid of a cough?

Use a humidifier or vaporizer. Use a cool mist humidifier or a vaporizer to increase air moisture in your home. This may make it easier for you to breathe and help decrease your cough. Use saline nasal drops as directed. These help relieve congestion. Apply petroleum-based jelly around the outside of your nostrils.

How long does it take for a cold to get better?

Colds are caused by viruses and do not get better with antibiotics. Most people get better in 7 to 14 days. You may continue to cough for 2 to 3 weeks. The following may help decrease your symptoms: Decongestants help reduce nasal congestion and help you breathe more easily.

How to get rid of a sneezing ear?

Put the used tissue in the trash right away. Use the bend of your arm if a tissue is not available. Wash your hands well with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer. Do not stand close to anyone who is sneezing or coughing. Try to stay away from others while you are sick.

How long does it take for a sore throat to get worse?

Your sore throat gets worse or you see white or yellow spots in your throat. Your symptoms get worse after 3 to 5 days or are not better in 14 days. You have a rash anywhere on your skin. You have large, tender lumps in your neck. You have thick, green, or yellow drainage from your nose.

Bacteria

The types of URIs refer to the parts of the upper respiratory tract most involved in the infection. In addition to the common cold, there are other types of URIs:

Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis, the upper part of your trachea. It protects the airway from foreign particles that could get into the lungs. Swelling of the epiglottis is dangerous because it can block the flow of air into the trachea.

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes is bronchitis. The right and left bronchial tubes branch off from the trachea and go to the right and left lungs.

How to get rid of a cough and congestion?

If the air is dry, a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer can moisten the air and help ease congestion and coughing. Keep the humidifier clean to prevent the growth of bacteria and molds. Soothe your throat. Perform a saltwater gargle. Dissolve one-quarter to a half teaspoon of salt in a 4- to 8-ounce glass of warm water.

How to get rid of a sore throat?

Dissolve one-quarter to a half teaspoon of salt in a 4- to 8-ounce glass of warm water. This can relieve a sore or scratchy throat temporarily. Use saline nasal drops. To help relieve nasal congestion, try saline nasal drops.

What to take for a cold and cough?

Take over-the-counter cold and cough medications. For adults and children older than 5, over-the-counter decongestants, antihistamines and pain relievers might offer some symptom relief. However, they won't prevent a cold or shorten its duration, and most have some side effects.

What to do when you have a cold?

To make yourself as comfortable as possible when you have a cold, Langer suggests trying to: Drink plenty of fluids. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water are good choices. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you. Eat chicken soup.

How to stay home from work?

If possible, stay home from work or school if you have a fever or a bad cough, or are drowsy after taking medications. This will give you a chance to rest and reduce the chances you'll infect others. Adjust your room's temperature and humidity. Keep your room warm but not overheated.

Can a doctor prescribe antibiotics for bronchitis?

According to the American College of Physicians: Clinicians should not prescribe antibiotics for patients with bronchi tis. Antibiotics should be used only if patients have pneumonia. Clinicians should test patients with symptoms that could be strep throat.

Can antibiotics help with viral infections?

“Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, and won't help viral illnesses like colds, ...

What are the symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection?

For most people, URIs cause mild to moderate discomfort. Symptoms are due to inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract, and they usually depend on which part of the upper respiratory tract is infected.

What causes upper respiratory tract infections?

Viruses cause most upper respiratory tract infections. The most common virus is rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. Other viral causes include:

How are they diagnosed?

To get a diagnosis, your provider will start by asking about your symptoms. Next, a physical exam will help determine what’s going on. This will include looking in your nose, mouth, and throat, as well as listening to your lungs.

How is an upper respiratory tract infection treated?

Because most URIs are caused by viruses, antibiotics aren’t necessary or helpful. Treatment involves making yourself comfortable, getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and last but not least, time.

How is it different from a lower respiratory infection?

Lower respiratory tract infections affect a different part of the respiratory system. The windpipe, or trachea, is the dividing line between the upper and lower respiratory tract. Any infection below the windpipe is a lower respiratory tract infection, such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

The bottom line

Upper respiratory tract infections cause inflammation and irritation of your sinuses, throat, and voice box. This leads to the common symptoms of runny nose, congestion, cough, and sore throat. Viruses cause most upper respiratory tract infections, and treatment involves managing symptoms and waiting it out.