Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 08, 2024
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The symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection mainly manifest as fever, sore throat, cough, difficulty breathing, and sputum production. Some cases may also present with signs of hypoxia, leading to phenomena like cyanosis of the lips. Firstly, drink plenty of water and measure body temperature. If there is acute inflammation, a sensitive antibiotic must be chosen, accompanied by antipyretic analgesic drugs to relieve symptoms. Additionally, taking medication to dilute the sputum and alleviate spasms of the bronchial smooth muscles is advised for symptomatic treatment. A treatment course generally requires five to ten days and regular follow-up checks are necessary. It is important to quit smoking and drinking, and to drink plenty of water.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Can I eat lamb with an upper respiratory infection?

Mutton is delicious and highly nutritious, making it a favorite food among the people in our country. However, can one still eat mutton after contracting an upper respiratory tract infection? Whether it is appropriate to eat mutton depends on the specific circumstances. If the symptoms are mild after falling ill, with no fever, and the patient's appetite is still good, then it is permissible to eat mutton under these conditions. However, if the patient's symptoms are severe, with a noticeable fever and poor appetite, it is then advised not to consume mutton. In such cases, it is generally recommended to follow a light diet, avoiding greasy and spicy foods. Mutton tends to be greasy and hard to digest, which could hinder recovery from the illness.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Is an upper respiratory infection contagious?

Upper respiratory infections are contagious to some extent, as they are mostly caused by common pathogens such as rhinoviruses, streptococci, bacteria, mycoplasma, and other infectious agents. Clinically, they encompass a variety of diseases, including acute rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, etc. These infections often spread through close contact and airborne droplets. Whether an individual gets infected mainly depends on the body's immune response. If a person has been vaccinated against a contagious disease and has developed antibodies, they generally will not be infected.

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Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
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Can you eat oranges with an upper respiratory tract infection?

Upper respiratory infections can include orange in the diet; these infections are usually viral, and typically there are no specific therapeutic drugs available, only symptomatic treatment is provided. Additionally, patients should also consider eating some fruits and drinking more plain water while maintaining a light diet; fruits like oranges and apples are suitable. Furthermore, patients with severe symptoms of upper respiratory infection may also need to use some cold medicines to alleviate their symptoms. Generally, upper respiratory infections are self-limiting, and patients can gradually recover with symptomatic treatment and dietary adjustments mentioned above. However, it is important to note that some upper respiratory infections may be bacterial, such as acute suppurative tonsillitis, which is a bacterial infection and requires anti-infection treatment.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Upper respiratory tract infection symptoms

The typical symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection include nasal congestion, coughing, swelling and pain in the throat, phlegm, and difficulty breathing. During the acute phase, it can also cause chills, high fever, and loss of appetite. It is important to determine whether the infection is caused by bacteria, a virus, or mycoplasma, and to treat it accordingly with targeted antibiotics or antiviral medications. Avoid eating highly irritating foods, measure body temperature twice daily, and treat the cause while managing the symptoms. Generally, one can gradually recover back to normal health within three to seven days.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Do upper respiratory infections cause vomiting?

Upper respiratory tract infections refer to infections occurring in parts such as the nasopharynx and throat. Clinically, symptoms often include sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, fever, headaches, and coughing. So, can upper respiratory tract infections cause vomiting? Yes, one reason is that sometimes upper respiratory infections can manifest as gastrointestinal-type symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Sometimes this is due to the pharyngeal reflex, which reflexively causes vomiting.