Published on Apr 27, 2023 | 10:17 AM
As the name implies, an upper respiratory infection is a condition that infects any part of the upper respiratory system, from the nasal cavities down to the larynx.
While most URIs can go away on their own, symptoms affecting your head, throat, eyes, and nose can lead to discomfort and may need treatment to go away. As one of the most common diagnoses, StatPearls details that the virus usually makes itself known around three days after exposure. Upper respiratory infections then usually last between 7-10 days, but symptoms can linger for up to three weeks. Varying in severity, the condition can be either viral or bacterial depending on onset, symptoms, duration, and treatment.
While both share several similarities with one another, such as how the infection is caught and how to treat it in some cases, there are some subtle differences throughout the process. According to Bethany Chico, these can include:
In many cases, an upper respiratory infection will be confused with seasonal allergies due to similar symptoms. In most scenarios, the condition will come with symptoms like:
As detailed by Johns Hopkins, the condition is so common to the point that children will each have up to eight cases in any given year while adults generally experience a URI annually. While most URIs are non-threatening, in the event that the condition is more severe, there are some telltale signs. According to Bethany Chico, an experienced nurse practitioner working with Call-On-Doc, some signs healthcare providers look for include:
Despite most cases being relatively minor in severity, some patients will need medical consultation and treatment to get relief for symptoms that fall under a URI-related condition. You might recognize some of the conditions considered as an upper respiratory infection, like influenza.
An upper respiratory infection is a type of infection that specifically affects the upper respiratory tract, which includes the nasal passages, pharynx, and larynx. In contrast, other types of infections may affect different parts of the body, such as the lungs, urinary tract, or skin. A URI is typically caused by various respiratory pathogens, while other infections may be caused by different types of pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites.
According to WebMD, upper respiratory infections are primarily spread through respiratory droplets. These are tiny particles of saliva or mucus that are expelled when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets can then be inhaled by others or deposited on surfaces and objects, where they can remain infectious for hours or even days. This is one reason why washing your fruits and vegetables from the grocery store is a good idea. Other modes of transmission, such as direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surfaces, can also contribute to the spread of URIs.
According to Bethany Chico: Yes, it is generally recommended that you stay home when you have an upper respiratory infection to prevent the spread of the illness to others. Upper respiratory infections are highly contagious and can be transmitted through respiratory droplets when you cough or sneeze. By staying home, you can help prevent the spread of the illness to coworkers, classmates, friends, and family members. It is also important to rest and take care of yourself when you are sick to help your body recover more quickly.
While you are encouraged to seek out medical treatment whenever symptoms become difficult to tolerate or last longer than a couple of weeks, there are some symptoms to keep an eye out for. These can include:
When it comes to what healthcare providers look out for, Bethany Chico explains there are some factors considered to identify upper respiratory infections.
When it comes to the symptoms, medical professionals have more ways than one to measure the severity of each. Bethany Chico goes on to explain that symptoms having to do with upper respiratory infections largely have to do with how they affect daily tasks while keeping the spread in consideration
Even though URIs vary in severity, staying home to recover can help lower the spread of infection and prevent more people from getting sick.
There are a number of tests that can be done to diagnose upper respiratory infections (URIs), depending on the specific cause and severity of the infection. Some common tests for URIs include:
Tests for upper respiratory infections are not always necessary, and in many cases, a healthcare provider can make a diagnosis based on the individual's symptoms and medical history. More so, normally, a healthcare professional will opt to either monitor. or manage the symptoms until it wears off.
Due to most cases of upper respiratory infections being mild colds or similar diseases, it’s a fair question to ask whether you need to go to the doctor in the first place. In the case that you do, Call-On-Doc offers affordable URI treatment that does not require you to leave your home. In more severe cases, it is important to consider visiting a medical provider in-person for evaluation.
It's also important to seek medical attention if you have been exposed to someone with a known respiratory infection, such as COVID-19 or influenza (flu), or if you develop any symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, or loss of taste or smell. In general, if you are unsure whether you need medical attention for a URI, it's always best to contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
When treating an upper respiratory infection, doctors aim to manage the symptoms and help the body fight off the infection. Treatment options depend on the infection and underlying cause. Which can be viral or bacterial. In most cases, doctors may recommend rest, hydration, over-the-counter medications for symptom relief, and using a humidifier to help alleviate congestion. If the infection is bacterial or severe, antibiotics or other prescription medications may be prescribed. It's important to follow the doctor's instructions for treatment and finish the entire course of medication, even if symptoms improve.
Whether or not antibiotics are needed for an upper respiratory infection (URI) depends on the underlying cause of the infection. If the URI is caused by a viral infection, antibiotics will not be effective in treating it. Rather, other medications will be used to manage the symptoms and keep a person in the best health possible so their system can fight off the disease.
However, if the URI is caused by a bacterial infection or a secondary bacterial infection develops, antibiotics may be necessary. It's important to consult with a doctor to determine the underlying cause of the URI and whether antibiotics are necessary. In general, antibiotics should only be used when medically necessary to help prevent antibiotic resistance.
There are several steps you can take to get over an upper respiratory infection. Here are several steps you can do to get over an upper respiratory infection:
Additionally, It's important to note that antibiotics are not effective in treating viral infections such as URIs, and their overuse can contribute to antibiotic resistance. If symptoms persist or worsen after a few days, or if you are experiencing severe symptoms, seek medical attention for further evaluation and treatment.
The immune system plays the biggest role in a person's defense against upper respiratory infections. The immune system is responsible for recognizing and attacking invading pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, that cause URIs.
When the immune system recognizes a pathogen, it produces antibodies that can help neutralize and eliminate the pathogen. It also activates various immune cells, such as white blood cells, that can help clear the infection.
In addition to the immune system, other factors can also play a role in a person's defense against URIs. These can include:
Overall, a strong immune system is key to preventing and fighting URIs. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, practicing good hygiene, and getting vaccinated when possible can all help support a healthy immune system and aid in the prevention of URIs.
There are several habits that can make a person more vulnerable to upper respiratory infections:
While URIs are common and, for the most part, cannot be avoided, recognizing ways to prevent exposure and reduce your risk for infection during peak cold and flu seasons can help you and your family stay their healthiest. If you or a loved one does come down with a URI and need relief, Call-On-Doc can support you all from the comfort of home any time, day or night.
English graduate and Call-On-Doc’s medical resource guide, Wayne C. Hahne is an experienced and passionate medical education content expert. Through diligent research, provider interviews and utilizing the industry's leading resources for wellness information, it is Mr. Hahne’s personal mission to educate the general public on medical conditions with in-depth and easy-to-understand written guides.
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