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Respiratory tract infection
Is an upper respiratory infection contagious?
Upper respiratory infections are contagious to some extent, as they are mostly caused by common pathogens such as rhinoviruses, streptococci, bacteria, mycoplasma, and other infectious agents. Clinically, they encompass a variety of diseases, including acute rhinitis, sinusitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, etc. These infections often spread through close contact and airborne droplets. Whether an individual gets infected mainly depends on the body's immune response. If a person has been vaccinated against a contagious disease and has developed antibodies, they generally will not be infected.
How to treat upper respiratory tract infections
If an upper respiratory tract infection is severe, it is necessary to take anti-inflammatory and anti-infection medications under the guidance of a doctor. The first and most important step is to identify the cause of the infection under medical supervision and then use medication accordingly, which is crucial. Additionally, it is advised to support the treatment by drinking more water, resting adequately, avoiding overexertion, and eating a bland diet without spicy, greasy, or cold and irritating foods. An upper respiratory tract infection may also be accompanied by fever. If the body temperature exceeds 38.5℃, fever-reducing medications should be taken. Moreover, it is important to drink plenty of water to promote excretion. If the body temperature is between 37.5℃ and 38.5℃, physical cooling methods can be used. It is also recommended to rest well, frequently ventilate indoor spaces, and ensure air remains fresh and circulating.
How to treat respiratory tract infections?
Respiratory infections are common situations in both clinical and daily life. The focus of treating respiratory infections is to identify the cause. For example, upper respiratory infections are most commonly caused by viral infections, primarily presenting symptoms such as coughing, sputum production, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat, and may be accompanied by fever. The treatment can involve taking antiviral medications and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce fever when it occurs. For lower respiratory infections, such as lung infections, these are often due to bacterial infections. Identifying the type of bacteria through blood or sputum cultures can allow for targeted antibiotic treatment. It is important to avoid catching colds, exercise regularly, and improve overall fitness to prevent respiratory infections.
What medicine to take for respiratory infection?
If there are signs of a respiratory infection, it is mostly caused by bacteria, viruses, and other microbial infections. It is advised to undergo a routine blood test under the guidance of a doctor to determine the type of infection, and then to treat it with appropriate anti-infective medication as directed by a doctor. Symptomatic treatment should also be given. Common symptoms of respiratory infections include coughing, sputum production, and sore throat. During such times, it's advisable to take cough suppressants and expectorants, or use throat lozenges to alleviate sore throat. Additionally, drinking more water to aid metabolism and enhance immunity, eating a light diet, avoiding staying up late, maintaining a relaxed mood, and avoiding excessive stress or emotional excitement are recommended.