What medicine to take for respiratory infection?

Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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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 Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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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.

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

Upper respiratory tract infections are generally caused by pathogens such as viruses, fungi, and parasites that invade the patient's throat, causing acute inflammation. Viruses are the most common infectious agents, including rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, adenoviruses, influenza viruses, and others, which can cause these symptoms. In some cases, bacterial infections are the cause, often due to exposure to cold weather, sudden drops in temperature, or excessive fatigue, leading to rapid reproduction of viruses or bacteria and triggering the illness. It is advised that everyone actively seek symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a doctor. The main treatment should include rest and drinking plenty of water. Antiviral medicines may be used, such as antiviral oral solutions, heat-clearing and detoxifying oral solutions, or Scutellaria baicalensis oral solutions. If antibiotic treatment is necessary, anti-inflammatory drugs like erythromycin or penicillin may be used. (Note: The above medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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 Li Fang Xiao
Internal Medicine
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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.

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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.