An upper respiratory infection (URI) is a type of infection of the upper respiratory tract which includes nose, sinuses, bronchi, and throat. It also affects the muscular organ containing the vocal cords called larynx, the space above and behind the nose which is known as nasal passage or nostrils, and the cavity behind the nose and mouth which is known as the pharynx. The treatment is generally not so complicated unless a person has a chronic respiratory condition such as asthma. The causes of the disease are both virus and bacteria. Viruses like adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, rhinovirus, etc., and bacteria, especially, group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, gonorrhea, group C beta-hemolytic streptococci, diphtheria, etc., are some of the usual causes of upper respiratory infections. It is a contagious infection, as the droplets of saliva and mucus spray out into the air when a person sneezes or coughs and infect the other people who breathe them in.

Risk factors

• Damage to the nasal cavity
• Not washing the hands frequently
• Contact with groups of children
• Busy places
• Having an autoimmune disorder
• Removal of tonsils, which is part of the immune system
• Weak immune system
• Spending time in the hospital
• During the fall and winter when people tend to stay indoors

For an upper respiratory infection to occur, a virus enters the body through the mouth or nose. The virus can last anywhere between 3 and 14 days. Most of the healthy children will get at least six colds per year. It can easily spread especially during the first two to three days by coughing, sneezing, laughing, or talking.

Types of URI

• Common cold
• Sinusitis in which the Inflammation of the sinuses occurs
• Inflammation of the epiglottitis which is the upper part of the trachea
• Laryngitis is the inflammation of the voice box which is known as the larynx
• Inflammation of the bronchial tubes which is commonly called as bronchitis

What are the signs and symptoms of URI?

• Stuffy nose
• A runny nose
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Slight fever
• A sore throat
• Sputum production
• A headache
• Weakness
• Difficult to swallow
• Occasional wheezing in case of acute URI

The less common symptoms can include bad breathing, body aches, headache, the loss of sense of smell, itchy eyes etc.

Diagnosis and treatment
Most of the diagnoses can be done by using the patient’s history and physical exam. The tests like throat swabs, lateral neck, and chest X-rays or CT scans may be used for a diagnosis of severe cases.

URI treatments include:

• Cough suppressants
• Expectorants
• Vitamin C or zinc
• Nasal decongestants
• Steam inhalation
• Gargling with salty water
• Analgesics can help with fever, aches, and pains

Prevention

• Wash your hands regularly
• Avoid contact with sick people
• Sanitize the touched objects
• Cover the nose and mouth
• Stay indoors while you are unwell

This article gives you a complete overview of the upper respiratory infections which can help you to take the required preventive measures to avoid the frequent upper respiratory infections, thereby helping you to live a healthy life without frequent visits to the doctor.