How many days does an upper respiratory tract infection last?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 18, 2024
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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.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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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.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Upper respiratory tract infections include which?

Upper respiratory tract infections encompass many diseases, such as acute rhinitis, sinusitis, accessory sinusitis, chronic pharyngitis, tonsillitis, as well as bronchitis and bronchopneumonia. They all fall under the category of upper respiratory tract infections. Treatment should be based on the site of infection, specific symptoms, and the pathogenic bacteria involved, using appropriate antibiotics for symptomatic treatment. During treatment, it is important to drink plenty of water, rest, and also use medication in conjunction with clinical symptoms to alleviate discomfort.

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Written by Li Fang Xiao
Internal Medicine
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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.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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How is an upper respiratory tract infection caused?

Upper respiratory infections are mostly caused by pathogenic microorganisms. They are related to factors such as exposure to cold weather, low immunity, weak resistance, frequent staying up late, and excessive fatigue. Additionally, viral infections, such as influenza virus, adenovirus, rhinovirus, and Coxsackievirus, can also cause upper respiratory infections. Some may be due to bacterial infections. Therefore, it is recommended that everyone should actively seek symptom-targeted treatment under the guidance of a doctor, and it's important to identify the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan based on test results. Key to the treatment is the active cooperation of the patient with the doctor's plan. In terms of diet, it is advised to eat light foods, drink plenty of water, rest adequately, and avoid spicy, greasy, raw, cold, and irritating foods. Smoking and drinking alcohol should also be avoided while actively cooperating with the treatment.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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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.