Upper respiratory tract infections include which?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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Upper respiratory tract infections encompass many diseases, such as acute rhinitis, sinusitis, accessory sinusitis, chronic pharyngitis, tonsillitis, as well as bronchitis and bronchopneumonia. They all fall under the category of upper respiratory tract infections. Treatment should be based on the site of infection, specific symptoms, and the pathogenic bacteria involved, using appropriate antibiotics for symptomatic treatment. During treatment, it is important to drink plenty of water, rest, and also use medication in conjunction with clinical symptoms to alleviate discomfort.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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How to treat upper respiratory tract infections

If an upper respiratory tract infection is severe, it is necessary to take anti-inflammatory and anti-infection medications under the guidance of a doctor. The first and most important step is to identify the cause of the infection under medical supervision and then use medication accordingly, which is crucial. Additionally, it is advised to support the treatment by drinking more water, resting adequately, avoiding overexertion, and eating a bland diet without spicy, greasy, or cold and irritating foods. An upper respiratory tract infection may also be accompanied by fever. If the body temperature exceeds 38.5℃, fever-reducing medications should be taken. Moreover, it is important to drink plenty of water to promote excretion. If the body temperature is between 37.5℃ and 38.5℃, physical cooling methods can be used. It is also recommended to rest well, frequently ventilate indoor spaces, and ensure air remains fresh and circulating.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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Can respiratory infections heal on their own?

Respiratory infections can be self-healing, usually in individuals who are physically strong or have a robust immune system. During an infection, drinking plenty of water, resting adequately, timely replenishing vitamin C, eating fresh fruits and vegetables, exercising appropriately to enhance physical fitness, and dressing appropriately according to the weather can potentially lead to self-healing. However, for elderly and frail patients, the self-healing rate from respiratory infections is very low. They should be treated under the guidance of a doctor, actively taking anti-inflammatory and anti-infection medications, as well as cold remedies. It is also important to ventilate rooms frequently to maintain fresh air circulation indoors, avoid overly dry environments, and keep indoor temperature and humidity at comfortable levels. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid spicy, greasy, cold, and irritating foods, and not to consume seafood to prevent exacerbating cold symptoms by promoting the production of phlegm.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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Is an upper respiratory tract infection easy to recover from?

Upper respiratory tract infections are clinically categorized as respiratory diseases and occur at a very high frequency. Patients with upper respiratory tract infections generally recover easily as long as their immune system is in good condition. Most upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses, and patients with decent immune function can often recover without medication within about a week. However, some infections in the upper limbs, which may be caused by bacteria or mycoplasma, present various clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, and cough. Patients like these generally require appropriate anti-infection treatment, as well as medication to combat the mycoplasma, and their recovery might take slightly longer.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Upper respiratory tract infection current treatment

Upper respiratory infections are the most common infectious diseases, most of which are caused by viral infections, with a minority being bacterial infections. Regarding the treatment of upper respiratory infections: If it is a bacterial infection, sensitive antibiotics should be chosen for treatment. Commonly used antibiotics include penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolide lactones, etc. If it is a viral infection, there are currently no particularly effective antiviral drugs for treatment. However, if chosen appropriately, some antiviral drugs can still be effective. Treatment for upper respiratory infections also involves symptomatic management, such as using antipyretic analgesics for fever, and cough suppressants for coughing, etc. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor)

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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.