Respiratory infection symptoms

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on April 04, 2025
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The symptoms of respiratory infections vary among individuals. Common clinical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, swollen throat, coughing, runny nose, sneezing, tearing, as well as difficulty breathing, phlegm, chest pain, and body aches. Some may also experience nausea, vomiting, and even sleep disturbances. Severe cases can lead to oxygen deprivation due to inflammation, manifesting as cyanosis of the lips, and increased and rapid breathing.

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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 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.

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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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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 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.