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 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 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 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 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 Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How many days does an upper respiratory tract infection last?

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.