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Respiratory tract infection
The difference between upper respiratory tract infection and respiratory tract infection.
The difference between upper respiratory tract infections and respiratory tract infections mainly lies in their different locations. The so-called upper respiratory tract infections are primarily confined to the upper respiratory tract, while respiratory tract infections include both upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Clinically, the main symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy throat, coughing, etc.; whereas patients with lower respiratory tract infections often experience coughing, expectoration, shortness of breath, chest tightness, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Patients with lower respiratory tract infections may also exhibit symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.
Can I eat lamb with an upper respiratory infection?
Mutton is delicious and highly nutritious, making it a favorite food among the people in our country. However, can one still eat mutton after contracting an upper respiratory tract infection? Whether it is appropriate to eat mutton depends on the specific circumstances. If the symptoms are mild after falling ill, with no fever, and the patient's appetite is still good, then it is permissible to eat mutton under these conditions. However, if the patient's symptoms are severe, with a noticeable fever and poor appetite, it is then advised not to consume mutton. In such cases, it is generally recommended to follow a light diet, avoiding greasy and spicy foods. Mutton tends to be greasy and hard to digest, which could hinder recovery from the illness.
How many days does an upper respiratory tract infection last?
Upper respiratory tract infections caused by common bacteria or viruses generally recover after about a week of treatment. If caused by Mycoplasma, the course of the disease is relatively longer, requiring about half a month to twenty days. If the upper respiratory tract inflammation is due to whooping cough or tuberculosis bacteria, the course of the disease will be even longer. Whooping cough requires at least half a month to twenty days of medication, while tuberculosis-induced respiratory infections need at least three to six months for full recovery. Common respiratory tract infections seen clinically generally recover completely within three to seven days, and the specific duration of the disease depends on the pathogen causing the infection.
Difference between acute upper respiratory tract infection and upper respiratory tract infection
In clinical terms, acute upper respiratory infection and upper respiratory infection usually mean the same thing, and there is no significant difference between them. Upper respiratory infections are typically acute, so sometimes they are simply referred to as upper respiratory infections without specifically mentioning 'acute.' Acute upper respiratory infections and upper respiratory infections generally have no difference; patients are often infected by viruses, typically presenting symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, coughing, and sometimes accompanied by fever. There may also be associated muscle soreness, fatigue, and headaches, but patients often experience low-grade fever rather than high fever. For these issues, symptomatic treatment is usually needed, and through such treatment, patients often recover on their own.
How is an upper respiratory infection caused?
Upper respiratory tract infections are generally caused by pathogens such as viruses, fungi, and parasites that invade the patient's throat, causing acute inflammation. Viruses are the most common infectious agents, including rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses, influenza viruses, and others, which can cause these symptoms. In some cases, bacterial infections are the cause, often due to exposure to cold weather, sudden drops in temperature, or excessive fatigue, leading to rapid reproduction of viruses or bacteria and triggering the illness. It is advised that everyone actively seek symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a doctor. The main treatment should include rest and drinking plenty of water. Antiviral medicines may be used, such as antiviral oral solutions, heat-clearing and detoxifying oral solutions, or Scutellaria baicalensis oral solutions. If antibiotic treatment is necessary, anti-inflammatory drugs like erythromycin or penicillin may be used. (Note: The above medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)
Do upper respiratory infections cause vomiting?
Upper respiratory tract infections refer to infections occurring in parts such as the nasopharynx and throat. Clinically, symptoms often include sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, fever, headaches, and coughing. So, can upper respiratory tract infections cause vomiting? Yes, one reason is that sometimes upper respiratory infections can manifest as gastrointestinal-type symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Sometimes this is due to the pharyngeal reflex, which reflexively causes vomiting.
Upper respiratory tract infection fever lasts for a few days
Upper respiratory infections generally come with symptoms of fever and the illness usually lasts about seven to eight days, with the fever persisting for about three to four days. It's suggested not to worry too much. If the temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius, it's then advisable to take some antipyretic medication to reduce the fever. During this period, use physical cooling methods, drink plenty of water to promote metabolism and enhance immunity. Diet should be light, and one can also take some heat-clearing, detoxifying, and fire-eliminating medicines. Regular physical exercise is also important to strengthen the physique. Avoid staying up late and ensure sufficient sleep. It's advised to have appropriate examinations and proceed with targeted treatments after a clear diagnosis, which is crucial. It's also recommended to frequently ventilate indoor spaces to maintain fresh air.
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.
Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection
The symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection mainly manifest as fever, sore throat, cough, difficulty breathing, and sputum production. Some cases may also present with signs of hypoxia, leading to phenomena like cyanosis of the lips. Firstly, drink plenty of water and measure body temperature. If there is acute inflammation, a sensitive antibiotic must be chosen, accompanied by antipyretic analgesic drugs to relieve symptoms. Additionally, taking medication to dilute the sputum and alleviate spasms of the bronchial smooth muscles is advised for symptomatic treatment. A treatment course generally requires five to ten days and regular follow-up checks are necessary. It is important to quit smoking and drinking, and to drink plenty of water.
What should I do about a respiratory infection?
Respiratory infections are the most common type of infection encountered in both clinical and daily life, primarily divided into upper and lower respiratory tract infections. An upper respiratory tract infection, commonly referred to as a cold, is mainly characterized by nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat, and is mostly caused by viral infections. In the early stages, antiviral medication can be taken, and by checking a complete blood count, one can preliminarily determine whether the infection is viral or bacterial, deciding whether antibiotics are needed for treatment. Lower respiratory tract infections, on the other hand, are often caused by conditions such as pneumonia or bronchitis, which are mostly bacterial infections requiring targeted antibiotic treatment. For patients who are physically weaker, immunocompromised, or elderly and frail, there may also be a possibility of fungal co-infection, necessitating the use of antifungal medications for treatment.