Upper respiratory tract infection complications

Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 21, 2024
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Upper respiratory tract infections, also known as URIs, refer to acute inflammation occurring from the external nostril to the lower edge of the cricoid cartilage, commonly affecting the nasal cavities, pharynx, and larynx. Most patients with upper respiratory infections experience mild symptoms and a short disease course, generally having a good prognosis with self-recovery. However, a small subset of upper respiratory tract infections can lead to complications such as sinusitis, otitis media, and tracheobronchitis. Some infections that manifest primarily as pharyngitis can lead to secondary conditions like rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis caused by Streptococcus. In these cases, the prognosis may not be as favorable. Additionally, a small number of patients might develop more severe illnesses, such as viral myocarditis, which significantly affects the prognosis. Therefore, upper respiratory tract infections should not be underestimated, and proactive prevention and treatment are essential.

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How to treat respiratory tract infections?

Respiratory infections are common situations in both clinical and daily life. The focus of treating respiratory infections is to identify the cause. For example, upper respiratory infections are most commonly caused by viral infections, primarily presenting symptoms such as coughing, sputum production, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat, and may be accompanied by fever. The treatment can involve taking antiviral medications and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce fever when it occurs. For lower respiratory infections, such as lung infections, these are often due to bacterial infections. Identifying the type of bacteria through blood or sputum cultures can allow for targeted antibiotic treatment. It is important to avoid catching colds, exercise regularly, and improve overall fitness to prevent respiratory infections.

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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 Hu Bai Yu
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Upper respiratory tract infection fever lasts for a few days

Upper respiratory infections generally come with symptoms of fever and the illness usually lasts about seven to eight days, with the fever persisting for about three to four days. It's suggested not to worry too much. If the temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius, it's then advisable to take some antipyretic medication to reduce the fever. During this period, use physical cooling methods, drink plenty of water to promote metabolism and enhance immunity. Diet should be light, and one can also take some heat-clearing, detoxifying, and fire-eliminating medicines. Regular physical exercise is also important to strengthen the physique. Avoid staying up late and ensure sufficient sleep. It's advised to have appropriate examinations and proceed with targeted treatments after a clear diagnosis, which is crucial. It's also recommended to frequently ventilate indoor spaces to maintain fresh air.

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Causes of upper respiratory tract infections

There are many causes of upper respiratory tract infections, the most common being due to factors such as exposure to cold, staying up late, fatigue, mental stress, and lack of sleep, which lead to a decrease in the body's resistance. The normal pathogenic bacteria in the body gain the upper hand, easily causing respiratory infections. Additionally, it's also possible for patients with weak constitutions to come into contact with pathogens, for example, being around patients with pneumonia or influenza. The exhaled gases from these patients can contain certain pathogens, making it easy to inhale them through the respiratory tract and cause infections.

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What medicine to take for respiratory infection?

If there are signs of a respiratory infection, it is mostly caused by bacteria, viruses, and other microbial infections. It is advised to undergo a routine blood test under the guidance of a doctor to determine the type of infection, and then to treat it with appropriate anti-infective medication as directed by a doctor. Symptomatic treatment should also be given. Common symptoms of respiratory infections include coughing, sputum production, and sore throat. During such times, it's advisable to take cough suppressants and expectorants, or use throat lozenges to alleviate sore throat. Additionally, drinking more water to aid metabolism and enhance immunity, eating a light diet, avoiding staying up late, maintaining a relaxed mood, and avoiding excessive stress or emotional excitement are recommended.