Is an upper respiratory tract infection easy to recover from?

Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
Updated on April 14, 2025
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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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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
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How is an upper respiratory infection caused?

Upper respiratory tract infections are generally caused by pathogens such as viruses, fungi, and parasites that invade the patient's throat, causing acute inflammation. Viruses are the most common infectious agents, including rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses, influenza viruses, and others, which can cause these symptoms. In some cases, bacterial infections are the cause, often due to exposure to cold weather, sudden drops in temperature, or excessive fatigue, leading to rapid reproduction of viruses or bacteria and triggering the illness. It is advised that everyone actively seek symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a doctor. The main treatment should include rest and drinking plenty of water. Antiviral medicines may be used, such as antiviral oral solutions, heat-clearing and detoxifying oral solutions, or Scutellaria baicalensis oral solutions. If antibiotic treatment is necessary, anti-inflammatory drugs like erythromycin or penicillin may be used. (Note: The above medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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.

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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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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.