Upper Respiratory Infection Symptoms

An upper respiratory infection is any viral infection of chest or head. It is known by most as the common cold. It can be in the ears, nose, sinuses or throat. Because over 200 different viruses can cause an upper respiratory infection, there is no known cure. However, there are effective ways to alleviate symptoms. An Upper Respiratory infection (URI) generally lasts about two weeks. The infection is passed from person to person through touch, projection-like sneezes or coughs, or by touching surfaces infected by someone with the virus.

Identifying Upper Respiratory Infection Symptoms

Depending on where the virus exists, symptoms may vary. However, common upper respiratory infection symptoms include fatigue, headache, stuffy or runny nose, a sore throat, stuffy ears, and sneezing and coughing. A slight fever and loss of appetite may also be presented. Symptoms will vary in severity from one incident to the next. They generally appear about three or four days after contracting the infection and will be most severe at the onset. If symptoms become more severe or a high fever exists, the patient may be suffering from the flu and should seek medical attention.

Treatment for URI

There are no medications that will cure an upper respiratory infection; however, medications exist that will target various symptoms. For fever or muscle aches, over-the-counter pain relievers with fever reducers are recommended. Examples include acetaminophen or ibuprofen. A decongestant or saline drops are recommended for a stuffy nose. Sneezing can be relieved by a mild antihistamine.

For sore throat pain, sucking on lozenges and gargling with salt water can be helpful. In general, it is recommended that the afflicted individual drink plenty of fluids and keep air moisturized. In other words, a room humidifier or frequent showers are recommended. A patient may also put a pan of water on their radiator to add moisture to a room.

Upper Respiratory Infection Prevention

No one wishes to suffer from upper respiratory infection symptoms. They can be miserable and the virus can take a while to run its course. Certain things can be done to prevent contracting the virus in the first place. First, take care of yourself. Eat good, nutritious food and get plenty of sleep. Wash your hands often. Viruses often travel from the hands of an afflicted person to another through handshakes or other forms of touch. If this happens and you touch your eyes, nose or mouth, you will also contract the illness. Don’t let your nose or mouth touch public phones and use paper cups and paper towels in restrooms. Once afflicted with an URI, you can prevent spreading it by washing your hands often, sneezing into your elbow, and staying away from others for the first two to four days of symptoms.

Resources

Children’s Hospital Boston - Upper Respiratory Infection (Common Cold)

Emedicine.Medscape.com - Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Additional Articles of Interest:

Symptoms and Treatment of Sinus Infections by Emma Llyod

Facts About Epstein Barr’s Disease by Victoria Trix