Medical

Managing Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: Symptom, Diagnosis, And Treatment

If you have a runny nose, sore throat or cough you may be suffering from upper respiratory problems. Here’s everything you need to know about upper respiratory infections, symptoms to watch out for and treatment.

23 Feb 2023

A variety of viruses and bacteria can cause upper respiratory tract infections. These cause a variety of diseases including acute bronchitis, the common cold, influenza, and Covid-19.

The respiratory system which includes the hollow parts of the face (sinuses), back of the throat (pharynx), and voice box (larynx) these areas become infected by viruses and bacteria that cause inflammation. According to a 2022 study published in the paper StatsPearl, the pathogens are responsible for causing the common cold include rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, enterovirus, and coronavirus.

Usually, these infections will go away on their own. However, it's wise to know when to get medical attention for your symptoms as upper respiratory tract infections are contagious. If you are dealing with congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and heavy head, odds are, you probably have an upper respiratory tract infection (URI).

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

Causes

Common cold or the upper respiratory tract infection is generally caused when the inner lining (mucosa or mucous membrane) of the upper airway is infected by viruses or bacteria. Colds can be caused by more than 200 viruses, but most common of them which provoke upper respiratory tract infections are rhinoviruses. One must know that viruses spread through objects as common as keys, toys, touching door knobs, or handles that have been touched by someone with a cold.

You get an upper respiratory infection when you:

You touch an infected surface
Shake hands with an infected person
The germs from your hands enter and infect your body by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes
Covid-19
Winter or fall, due to less humidity nose passage is drier which increases the risk of infection

Although most upper respiratory tract infections are viral, bacteria can cause infection, too.

Strep throat (pharyngitis) caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes
Sinus infection (Sinusitis)

Symptoms

The symptoms of upper respiratory infection or common cold are caused due to the toxins released by the pathogens. Signs are also a kind of inflammatory response by the immune system to resist the infection. Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection can range from mild to moderate and high due to inflammation and irritation of the infected. The onset of symptoms usually begins one to three days after exposure and lasts 7 to 10 days but can persist up to 3 weeks.

Cough
Fever
Blocked nose
Hoarse voice
Fatigue and lack of energy
Headache
Muscle aches
Red eyes
Watery nose
Sore and hurting throat
Swollen lymph nodes on the sides of the neck

Who Are At Risk

Respiratory infections are viral and common conditions which anyone can get. Regardless of the frequency of these diseases, certain groups of individuals are prone to catching infections often.

Young children
People with heart or lung problems
Those with weak immune systems
Smokers

Diagnosis

Several bacterial respiratory infections have similar symptoms and these infections can turn serious if left untreated. An accurate diagnosis will help determine whether you have a bacterial infection or not. Nasal aspirates and swabs are the best specimens to obtain when testing infants and young children.

The physician may diagnose to rule out any conditions of lung infection, bronchitis or pneumonia based on a physical exam and concerning symptoms such as stuffy nose, irritated throat, harsh voice or fever.

Lung (chest) X-ray
Lung CT scan
Nasal swab
Throat swab
Sputum test (phlegm from lungs)

Treatment

Since viruses trigger URIs, antibiotics aren’t necessary. It has to run its course to get well and for that, treatment involves taking enough rest, taking fluids, drinking warm beverages, and consuming anti-inflammatory foods like ginger to get relief from inflammation.

Paracetamol and ibuprofen are two important and trusted medicines that will reduce a high temperature (fever), and eases any pains, or headaches.

URIs are contagious as they spread by vulnerability to saliva, nasal secretions, coughing, or sneezing from an infected person. To avoid getting sick, take a few simple precautions:

Cover nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing
Wash hands frequently after getting in contact with an infected person or surface
Wear a mask indoors if someone at home is suffering and even in a public place
Take steam inhalation
Use saline nose drops/spray to relieve congestion
Get adequate sleep

However, bacterial infections like strep throat require treatment with antibiotics, so it’s better to visit a doctor to get a complete cure.

Related story: Dengue Fever: All You Need To Know

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

With the UR.Life Corporate Wellness programme, we help you to invest in your well-being through seamless interventions and targeted medical treatments. Our holistic wellness approach caters to all aspects of your well-being. We ensure that you are able to bring your whole self to work.

With our medical professionals by your side, routine health check-ups will never be an issue. Advanced laboratory technologies back UR.Life’s Occupational Health Centers (OHC), and with highly qualified experts/technicians, we’re committed to delivering trusted and quality recommendations, modifications and advice to you.

Click here to learn more about the UR.Life Corporate Wellness programme and unlock better health.