Respiratory infection symptoms

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on April 04, 2025
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The symptoms of respiratory infections vary among individuals. Common clinical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, swollen throat, coughing, runny nose, sneezing, tearing, as well as difficulty breathing, phlegm, chest pain, and body aches. Some may also experience nausea, vomiting, and even sleep disturbances. Severe cases can lead to oxygen deprivation due to inflammation, manifesting as cyanosis of the lips, and increased and rapid breathing.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Respiratory infection symptoms

The symptoms of respiratory infections vary among individuals. Common clinical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, swollen throat, coughing, runny nose, sneezing, tearing, as well as difficulty breathing, phlegm, chest pain, and body aches. Some may also experience nausea, vomiting, and even sleep disturbances. Severe cases can lead to oxygen deprivation due to inflammation, manifesting as cyanosis of the lips, and increased and rapid breathing.

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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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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 Peng Miao Yun
Internal Medicine
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How to treat upper respiratory tract infections?

In clinical treatment of upper respiratory infections, it is essential to analyze the specific course of the illness. In the early stages of viral infections, if symptoms such as cough, nasal congestion, and runny nose are present, antihistamines and antiviral medications for clearing heat and detoxification can be used for symptomatic treatment, such as 999 Cold Remedy Granules, antiviral oral liquids, etc. In later stages, if there is a concurrent bacterial infection with thick, yellow phlegm, treatment can include the combined use of antibiotics. Amoxicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics are possible choices.

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Written by Li Fang Xiao
Internal Medicine
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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.