Upper Respiratory Infection

What is an upper respiratory infection?

An upper respiratory infection is an acute viral or bacterial illness in your nose, sinuses, or throat. The most common URIs include:

• Influenza
• Strep throat
• Viral rhinitis (common cold)
• Laryngitis (inflammation of the voice box)
• Pharyngitis (sore throat including strep throat)
• Sinusitis (inflamed sinuses)
• Tonsillitis (inflamed tonsils)
• Epiglottitis (inflammation of the cartilage covering the windpipe)
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• COVID-19

While most upper respiratory viruses stay in the nose and throat, the viruses responsible for the flu, COVID-19, and RSV can also infect the lower respiratory tract (lungs).

What are the symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection?

An upper respiratory tract infection may cause many symptoms, depending on whether it primarily affects your nose, throat, or both. You may experience any of the following:

• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Fever
• Hoarseness
• Loss of voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• Facial pain (around sinuses)
• Sinus pressure
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• High-pitched sound when breathing

URIs are spread through direct contact (when an infected person touches another person or object). The infection is most contagious in the first few days after your symptoms appear but may spread a few days before you feel ill.

Do upper respiratory tract infections cause complications?

Without treatment, URIs can cause inflammation in your lungs and spread throughout your body, potentially causing:

• Meningitis
• Rheumatic fever
• Scarlet fever
• Kidney inflammation
• Sepsis

Young children, people over 65, and those with a weak immune system or chronic health condition are most vulnerable to URI complications.

How are upper respiratory tract infections treated?

Most upper respiratory tract infections are caused by viruses, which means the infection improves over time, but there are no medications. However, some crucial exceptions exist: antiviral medications are available for the flu, RSV, and COVID-19.

Antiviral medications are most effective when taken right after your symptoms appear. You may not be able to take medication if you wait too long.

Your caring NewMed Immediate Care provider treats bacterial infections with antibiotics. For viral and bacterial infections, they may recommend easing your symptoms with decongestant nasal sprays, over-the-counter pain relievers, and home remedies.

If you need relief from an upper respiratory infection or want to learn if you’re a candidate for antiviral medication, call the nearest office, book online, or walk in for immediate care today.