How is an upper respiratory tract infection caused?

Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 29, 2024
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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 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 Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Upper respiratory tract infection symptoms

The typical symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection include nasal congestion, coughing, swelling and pain in the throat, phlegm, and difficulty breathing. During the acute phase, it can also cause chills, high fever, and loss of appetite. It is important to determine whether the infection is caused by bacteria, a virus, or mycoplasma, and to treat it accordingly with targeted antibiotics or antiviral medications. Avoid eating highly irritating foods, measure body temperature twice daily, and treat the cause while managing the symptoms. Generally, one can gradually recover back to normal health within three to seven days.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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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.

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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.