Respiratory tract infections

Upper respiratory tract infections are illnesses caused by an acute infection which involves the upper respiratory tract including nose, sinuses, pharynx or larynx. This commonly involves pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, common cold and otitis media (infection of the middle ear).  

Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections includes, cough, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, low grade fever, sneezing, body aches, fatigue and facial pressure. Onset of symptoms usually begins 1-3 days after exposure and lasts upto 7-10 days. Reddening of eyes caused by viral conjunctivitis and pain of ear canal by middle ear infection are also associated with upper respiratory tract infections.

These infections are thought to be one of the main reason why people visit the doctors commonly. Common cold is one of the most common infections. Children can get more these infections than adults because they have not built up immunity to many viruses that can cause these infections. Moreover people with lung diseases and those who are smokers are at high risk to develop respiratory tract infections.

Causes: Most common cause of infection is due to Rhinovirus. Other causes include Influenza virus, Adenovirus, Respiratory syncytial virus.

Upto 15% of acute pharyngitis caused by bacteria like streptococcus Pyogenes, streptococcus Pneumonia, Haemophilus Influenza etc.

Prevention:  Vaccination may even help in preventing upper respiratory tract infections mostly against influenza viruses, adenoviruses, measles, rubella, and streptococcus pneumonia.

Avoid being in close contact with people who are sick. It spreads by aerosol droplets of sick people like sneezing, coughing. Infections can also spread through indirect contact, for example if you have common cold and you have touched your eyes and nose before touching an object or surface, the viruses may be passed to someone else when they touch that object or surface. 

The best way to prevent spreading infections is to practise good hygiene such as regularly washing your hands with soap and water.

Cover your nose and mouth if you are sick. Use face masks.

Probiotics may be useful in the prevention. 

Vitamin C helps boost your immune system.

Cold temperature and low humidity are associated with increase occurrence of respiratory tract infections.

Treatment: It depends on the underlying cause. Treatment comprises symptomatic support like pain killers for headache, sore throat. Use of gargles and anti histaminic drugs for sore throat. Use of nasal irrigation like saline nasal sprays has been shown to alleviate symptoms. Use of vitamin c in treatment has been suggested. Use of hot liquids like tea, soups and coffee is very good. Intake of more liquids should be encouraged.                                       

Antibiotics:  They should be judiciously used.

It will decrease the adverse effects of antibiotics as well as decrease the costs. Decrease use of antibiotics will also prevent drug resistant bacteria which is a growing problem in the world. Health authorities have been strongly encouraging physicians to decrease writing of antibiotics in prescription for treatment of common respiratory tract infections. Because antibiotics usage does not reduce the recovery time for the viral illnesses.