The difference between upper respiratory tract infection and lower respiratory tract infection.

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 08, 2024
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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.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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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.

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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 Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What should I do if I have an upper respiratory tract infection?

What to do with an upper respiratory tract infection? Firstly, one should choose antimicrobial agents to treat the inflammatory response of the body, that is, anti-infection treatment. It is necessary to check routine blood tests, mycoplasma, C-reactive protein, or undergo sputum pathogen culture. If it is caused by mycoplasma infection, one can choose macrolide antibiotics. If it is due to common bacterial or viral infections, one can choose beta-lactam antibiotics, or some Chinese patent medicine preparations that clear heat and detoxify, all of which can treat diseases of the upper respiratory tract infection.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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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.