What are Upper Respiratory Tract Infections? Symptoms and Treatment

What Causes Upper Respiratory Tract Infection?

Upper respiratory tract infection is a type of respiratory disease, also known as URTI in medicine. It occurs when the tissues and organs of the airways in the area where the inhaled air reaches the lungs become inflamed. Upper respiratory infection in children and adults is usually caused by rhinoviruses. Rhinoviruses can also cause colds and flu. Apart from rhinovirus, some of the other viruses that cause upper respiratory tract infection are influenza, coronavirus and adenovirus. URI can be caused by some bacteria as well as viruses. The most common of these bacteria is the bacterium called strep.

Upper Respiratory Diseases

Upper respiratory tract diseases involve the upper respiratory parts of the body, such as the nose, throat, bronchi and sinuses. Knowing where the infection develops is important for the treatment to be applied. The diseases caused by upper respiratory tract infections according to where they are affected are as follows:

Flu is a viral disease caused by the influenza virus. Flu, which is frequently encountered in upper respiratory tract infections, can reach serious levels in some cases that reduce body resistance. Especially in the risk group; It may adversely affect the elderly, people with chronic diseases, pregnant women and children. People in this group may need to get a regular flu vaccine every year, with a doctor’s recommendation, to become immune to the flu. Since the disease is not caused by bacteria, it does not respond to antibiotic treatments.   Good rest, drinking plenty of fluids and nutritional supplements that increase immune resistance may be beneficial in flu treatment.

Rhinitis  (flu) is a disease that develops as a result of viruses and allergens affecting the nose. Rhinitis can most often be caused by allergens such as pollens, mites, feathers and dust. Rhinitis usually causes nasal congestion, discharge, itching and swelling. In addition, swelling-bruising under the eyes and watery eyes may occur.

Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses (air cavities) around the nose and in the forehead area, covered with mucous membrane .  Sinusitis is one of the upper respiratory tract diseases and is characterized by symptoms such as nasal congestion and change in voice tone. Other common symptoms include postnasal drip, swelling of the cheekbones and nose area, pain in the forehead area, snoring due to inability to breathe through the nose during sleep, and headache.

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes. It occurs when bacteria or allergens that cause upper respiratory tract infection surround the bronchi, increasing and thickening the mucosa. Patients often experience cough, phlegm, fever, frequent inflammation of the lungs and constant fatigue.

Pharyngitis is an infectious disease seen in the throat and pharynx area. It may develop due to bacteria or viruses. In pharyngitis, difficulty in swallowing, pain in the throat, hoarseness or a wheezing cough may be observed due to irritation in the throat and pharynx area.

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the vocal cords and larynx. Laryngitis can usually occur due to bacteria. Apart from bacteria, laryngitis can also be caused by irritation of the vocal cords, such as talking too much, shouting or singing. The most basic symptom is hoarseness.

Otitis Media, also known as  middle ear infection , is the accumulation of fluid and inflammation in the back area of ​​the eardrum. Otitis, which is common among children, is not contagious. The most common symptom is earache.

Pneumonia  is an advanced disease of upper respiratory tract infection. It is a condition in which the lung tissue becomes inflamed as a result of a virus or bacteria and spreads to the lungs. It is a disease that is most common in children and older people and can be life-threatening. Pneumonia usually has symptoms such as chest pain, cough, and high fever.

Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Upper respiratory tract disease is a disease that increases as the weather gets colder, especially in the winter months. Upper respiratory tract infection is most commonly transmitted in closed, crowded, inadequately ventilated environments. Acute upper respiratory tract infection refers to a condition in which symptoms develop suddenly and progress rapidly. Some common symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection are:

• Nasal congestion or runny nose
• Cough (sputum or dry)
• Sneeze
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Joint and muscle pains
• High fever
• General body malaise
• Fatigue, weakness
• Chest pain and wheezing (in later stages)

What is Good for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection?

Upper respiratory tract infection can be cured in a short time with some medications prescribed by a doctor and home treatment methods. However, a respiratory infection that does not go away despite various treatment methods can lead to an advanced microbial condition in the blood or lung damage. For this reason, if these diseases continue for a long time, a doctor should be visited without delay. Some of the treatment methods used in upper respiratory tract infections are as follows:

• Painkillers and antipyretics used with doctor’s recommendation
• Decongestant nasal sprays for nasal congestion and runny nose
• Gargling with warm salty or carbonated water, which has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, for throat discomfort.
•  Consuming foods rich in vitamin C and zinc to keep body resistance high
• Drinking plenty of water to relieve mucus and postnasal drip
•  Drinking cough and expectorant  herbal teas
• Adding honey, known for its cough, body resistance and throat soothing properties, to herbal teas or consuming it directly.
• Taking a warm shower to reduce or keep a fever under control
• Using a high pillow to breathe comfortably and prevent postnasal drip during sleep
• Get as much rest as possible during the illness 

Ways to Prevent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

The places with the highest risk of transmission of upper respiratory tract infections are closed spaces. Droplets spread around by sneezing, coughing and talking can infect other people and cause upper respiratory tract infection. Apart from this, hand contact and actions such as hugging and kissing are other factors that can cause upper respiratory tract infection. Some of the ways to prevent upper respiratory tract infections can be listed as follows:

• Avoiding long hours in closed and crowded environments
• Ensuring that the environment is ventilated frequently
• Using a mask in closed places
• Washing or disinfecting hands frequently
• Regular cleaning of contact areas
•  Diet rich in antioxidants
• consuming plenty of fluids
• Avoiding smoking and alcohol use

If you are experiencing cold and flu symptoms, it may be caused by bacteria or viruses and may need to be treated. You can consult a healthcare institution for appropriate medication use and other treatments and prevent the progression of the disease.