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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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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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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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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Upper respiratory tract infection self-heals in a few days.

Upper respiratory tract infections are mostly caused by viruses. After viral infection, it can lead to common colds, viral pharyngitis and laryngitis, herpetic pharyngotonsillitis, and pharyngoconjunctival fever, among other diseases. Currently, there are no specific antiviral drugs for the treatment of upper respiratory tract viral infections. Treatment primarily involves symptomatic management, rest, cessation of smoking, drinking plenty of water, and maintaining good indoor air circulation. With these measures, even without the use of antiviral drugs, recovery generally occurs within about a week.

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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.