Upper respiratory tract infection current treatment

Written by Han Shun Li

Pulmonology

Updated on October 27, 2024

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Upper respiratory infections are the most common infectious diseases, most of which are caused by viral infections, with a minority being bacterial infections. Regarding the treatment of upper respiratory infections: If it is a bacterial infection, sensitive antibiotics should be chosen for treatment. Commonly used antibiotics include penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolide lactones, etc. If it is a viral infection, there are currently no particularly effective antiviral drugs for treatment. However, if chosen appropriately, some antiviral drugs can still be effective. Treatment for upper respiratory infections also involves symptomatic management, such as using antipyretic analgesics for fever, and cough suppressants for coughing, etc. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Li Jian Wu

Pulmonology

45sec

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

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 Hu Bai Yu

Pulmonology

1min

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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

40sec

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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 Li Fang Xiao

Internal Medicine

59sec

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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 An Yong Peng

Pulmonology

58sec

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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.