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Acute upper respiratory tract infection
Can acute upper respiratory tract bacterial infections heal by themselves?
Acute upper respiratory infections are very common in clinical practice, mostly because viruses invade the body causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Only a small number of patients might have bacterial infections on top of the viral infection, or are suffering from an upper respiratory infection caused by a specific bacterium. Clinically, some of these patients can recover on their own, as the severity of respiratory infections varies and some patients have strong immune systems. Therefore, by exercising appropriately in their daily lives, drinking plenty of warm water, and consuming foods high in vitamins and proteins, a small number of these patients with mild conditions can heal on their own.
The difference between upper respiratory tract infection and lower respiratory tract infection.
The difference between upper respiratory tract infections and lower respiratory tract infections mainly lies in the location of the infection. The pathogen causing the infection could be the same. If an upper respiratory tract infection is not treated in time, the pathogen might infect downwards and cause a lower respiratory tract infection. Compared to upper respiratory tract infections, which are commonly seen in clinical practice, lower respiratory tract infections are less common. Therefore, whether it is an upper or lower respiratory tract acute inflammation, sufficient and sensitive antimicrobial drugs should be chosen according to the treatment course for proper treatment.
Is acute upper respiratory infection a cold?
Acute upper respiratory infection, commonly referred to as the common cold, manifests suddenly in patients with symptoms including fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and coughing. Some patients may also experience varying degrees of headache and dizziness. Generally, most cases of acute upper respiratory infections are caused by the entry of viruses into the respiratory tract, leading to these clinical symptoms. Therefore, in cases of urgent incidents where patients suddenly exhibit these clinical symptoms, it is crucial to promptly coordinate relevant examinations to determine the type of bacterial infection, followed by detailed symptomatic treatment. Typically, this approach can effectively control the symptoms caused by acute upper respiratory infections.
Can acute upper respiratory infections heal on their own?
Acute upper respiratory infections can be self-limiting in clinical settings. It is important to know that upper respiratory infections, mostly caused by viruses, account for about 70% to over 90% of cases. When an upper respiratory tract infection caused by a virus occurs, it is a self-limiting illness. Thus, when acute upper respiratory infections present symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and even coughing or sore throat. If the infection is caused by a virus, the patient can be completely cured. However, it is also important to drink plenty of water during this period and eat foods high in vitamins and proteins to boost the body's immune system. Patients should also be advised to avoid cold and cooling foods, as acute upper respiratory infections can generally heal on their own.
Can you drink alcohol with an acute upper respiratory tract infection?
For acute upper respiratory infections, it is best not to drink alcohol during the infection period. This is because an acute upper respiratory infection is a type of acute infectious disease. It occurs when some pathogenic microorganisms infect the area of our nasopharynx, leading to this inflammatory disease. The main symptoms in patients include nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, fever, etc. Alcohol, as a type of consumable, can cause irritation to the throat, especially the mucous membrane of the pharynx, thereby exacerbating the swelling of the inflammation. Some patients experience throat swelling and even fever the day after drinking alcohol. Therefore, we do not recommend drinking alcohol during the acute phase of an upper respiratory infection. It is advisable to wait until the body has recovered for a while before drinking. Drinking during the acute phase can easily worsen the condition.
What should I do if a child has an acute upper respiratory infection?
When children develop acute upper respiratory infections, the main focuses are to ensure plenty of rest, clear the exterior and reduce heat, and prevent complications. During fever, it is advisable to give liquid or soft foods, encourage increased water intake, and for infants, feed small amounts frequently to avoid symptoms of digestive upset like vomiting and diarrhea. Maintain room temperature between 18 to 22 degrees Celsius, and keep a certain level of humidity. If there is excessive nasal and pharyngeal secretion, a prone position can be helpful. For high fevers, initially use a cold towel to moisten the forehead and the entire head, or use fever patches or a warm bath to alleviate discomfort and prevent febrile convulsions. It is beneficial for the baby to drink more water to replenish the bodily fluids lost due to fever and to facilitate the elimination of toxins. Adequate hydration can help thin the secretions in the nasal passages, making them easier to clear. Medication can also be used for treatment.
Does acute upper respiratory infection require infusion?
Whether or not to use infusion therapy for acute upper respiratory infections mainly depends on the specific conditions of each patient with the infection. Generally, acute upper respiratory infections can usually be controlled within about a week with timely and effective treatment. However, a small number of patients may have persistent high fever or more severe clinical symptoms. In cases where oral medications are not effective, it is appropriate to use infusion therapy for symptomatic treatment. It is important to understand that the type of pathogens causing acute upper respiratory infections differs from patient to patient, as does each individual's immune function. Therefore, the clinical symptoms caused can also vary significantly. For cases of severe acute upper respiratory infections, or those with complications, it is sometimes necessary to use infusion therapy for treatment, as it can be more effective.
Can you drink alcohol with an acute upper respiratory tract infection?
Acute upper respiratory infection, commonly known as the common cold, typically presents clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and even varying degrees of fever. Clinically, these symptoms arise due to lowered immune function in patients, who inadvertently contract viruses or bacteria. Upon experiencing these discomforts, patients are generally advised to promptly use antiviral medications for symptomatic relief. It is common for those with acute upper respiratory infections to avoid spicy and irritating foods in their diet, as well as abstain from smoking and drinking alcohol. It is recommended that these patients favor a bland diet and consume an adequate amount of fresh fruits and vegetables to timely replenish the nutrients needed by the body, which aids in faster recovery from the illness.
Do you need to avoid certain foods with an acute upper respiratory tract infection?
Acute upper respiratory infection, commonly known as the common cold, typically manifests with varying degrees of nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, pain, fever, cough, and other clinical symptoms. In treating acute upper respiratory infections, particularly during the cold winter months, antiviral medications and drugs that clear heat and detoxify should be given as symptomatic treatment. Additionally, patients should be advised to drink more warm water and avoid consuming spicy, stimulating, or cold foods. Patients can appropriately consume liquid and light diets, and eat fresh vegetables and fruits which are rich in vitamins essential for the body. Increasing the intake of such foods can facilitate a quicker recovery from the illness.
Can I eat beef with an acute upper respiratory infection?
Acute upper respiratory infections are usually caused by patients accidentally catching colds and contracting certain viruses or bacteria, leading to varying degrees of clinical symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, fever, and sore throat. For such patients, it is generally not recommended to eat beef. Although beef is highly nutritious, it tends to increase internal heat, especially in patients with heat-type colds. Eating beef at this time may cause the patient to experience increased fever, as well as worsening cough and sore throat symptoms. Therefore, it is suggested that patients with acute upper respiratory infections drink more water and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits to facilitate a quicker recovery.