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 Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What should I do if I have an upper respiratory tract infection?

What to do with an upper respiratory tract infection? Firstly, one should choose antimicrobial agents to treat the inflammatory response of the body, that is, anti-infection treatment. It is necessary to check routine blood tests, mycoplasma, C-reactive protein, or undergo sputum pathogen culture. If it is caused by mycoplasma infection, one can choose macrolide antibiotics. If it is due to common bacterial or viral infections, one can choose beta-lactam antibiotics, or some Chinese patent medicine preparations that clear heat and detoxify, all of which can treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract infection.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How many days does an upper respiratory tract infection last?

Upper respiratory tract infections caused by common bacteria or viruses generally recover after about a week of treatment. If caused by Mycoplasma, the course of the disease is relatively longer, requiring about half a month to twenty days. If the upper respiratory tract inflammation is due to whooping cough or tuberculosis bacteria, the course of the disease will be even longer. Whooping cough requires at least half a month to twenty days of medication, while tuberculosis-induced respiratory infections need at least three to six months for full recovery. Common respiratory tract infections seen clinically generally recover completely within three to seven days, and the specific duration of the disease depends on the pathogen causing the infection.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection

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 Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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The difference between upper respiratory tract infection and respiratory tract infection.

The difference between upper respiratory tract infections and respiratory tract infections mainly lies in their different locations. The so-called upper respiratory tract infections are primarily confined to the upper respiratory tract, while respiratory tract infections include both upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Clinically, the main symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy throat, coughing, etc.; whereas patients with lower respiratory tract infections often experience coughing, expectoration, shortness of breath, chest tightness, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Patients with lower respiratory tract infections may also exhibit symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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How is an upper respiratory tract infection caused?

Upper respiratory infections are mostly caused by pathogenic microorganisms. They are related to factors such as exposure to cold weather, low immunity, weak resistance, frequent staying up late, and excessive fatigue. Additionally, viral infections, such as influenza virus, adenovirus, rhinovirus, and Coxsackievirus, can also cause upper respiratory infections. Some may be due to bacterial infections. Therefore, it is recommended that everyone should actively seek symptom-targeted treatment under the guidance of a doctor, and it's important to identify the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan based on test results. Key to the treatment is the active cooperation of the patient with the doctor's plan. In terms of diet, it is advised to eat light foods, drink plenty of water, rest adequately, and avoid spicy, greasy, raw, cold, and irritating foods. Smoking and drinking alcohol should also be avoided while actively cooperating with the treatment.