How to treat upper respiratory tract infections

Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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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.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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What to eat for upper respiratory tract infections

Patients with upper respiratory tract infections should pay attention to their diet by preferring light meals, drinking more water, consuming more juices such as fruit and vegetable juices to supplement vitamins, or eating fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C to enhance their immunity and promote cellular repair, which can facilitate recovery from the infection. Additionally, they should avoid spicy, greasy, cold, and irritating foods. Treatment should also involve taking anti-inflammatory and anti-infection medications, as well as cold remedies under the guidance of a doctor. It is also advised to frequently ventilate rooms to maintain fresh and circulating indoor air, ensure the environment is not too dry, and that temperature and humidity are appropriate. Moreover, one should avoid staying up late and ensure sufficient sleep to boost their immune system. (Note: This answer is for reference only. Medications should be administered under the guidance of a professional physician, and self-medication should be avoided.)

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Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
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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.

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Written by Peng Miao Yun
Internal Medicine
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How to treat upper respiratory tract infections?

In clinical treatment of upper respiratory infections, it is essential to analyze the specific course of the illness. In the early stages of viral infections, if symptoms such as cough, nasal congestion, and runny nose are present, antihistamines and antiviral medications for clearing heat and detoxification can be used for symptomatic treatment, such as 999 Cold Remedy Granules, antiviral oral liquids, etc. In later stages, if there is a concurrent bacterial infection with thick, yellow phlegm, treatment can include the combined use of antibiotics. Amoxicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics are possible choices.

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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.

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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.