How to treat respiratory tract infections?

Written by Li Fang Xiao
Internal Medicine
Updated on September 02, 2024
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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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Written by An Yong Peng
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Difference between acute upper respiratory tract infection and upper respiratory tract infection

In clinical terms, acute upper respiratory infection and upper respiratory infection usually mean the same thing, and there is no significant difference between them. Upper respiratory infections are typically acute, so sometimes they are simply referred to as upper respiratory infections without specifically mentioning 'acute.' Acute upper respiratory infections and upper respiratory infections generally have no difference; patients are often infected by viruses, typically presenting symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, and sometimes accompanied by fever. There may also be associated muscle soreness, fatigue, and headaches, but patients often experience low-grade fever rather than high fever. For these issues, symptomatic treatment is usually needed, and through such treatment, patients often recover on their own.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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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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Written by Li Fang Xiao
Internal Medicine
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What should I do about a respiratory infection?

Respiratory infections are the most common type of infection encountered in both clinical and daily life, primarily divided into upper and lower respiratory tract infections. An upper respiratory tract infection, commonly referred to as a cold, is mainly characterized by nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat, and is mostly caused by viral infections. In the early stages, antiviral medication can be taken, and by checking a complete blood count, one can preliminarily determine whether the infection is viral or bacterial, deciding whether antibiotics are needed for treatment. Lower respiratory tract infections, on the other hand, are often caused by conditions such as pneumonia or bronchitis, which are mostly bacterial infections requiring targeted antibiotic treatment. For patients who are physically weaker, immunocompromised, or elderly and frail, there may also be a possibility of fungal co-infection, necessitating the use of antifungal medications for treatment.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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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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Written by An Yong Peng
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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.