Show  Medically reviewed by Megan Soliman, MD — By Jamie Crawford — Updated on November 18, 2021 An upper respiratory infection (URI) affects the nasal passages and throat. The treatment is usually simple unless a person also has a chronic respiratory condition, such as asthma. A URI occurs when a virus or bacteria enter the body, usually through the mouth or nose. The infection may pass to another person through touch or a sneeze or cough. Adults tend to get between two and three URIs per year. Children, especially young children, may have more of these infections, because their immune systems are still developing. Also, children who spend lots of time around other kids may be more prone to these infections, because children are less likely than adults to wash their hands after sneezing or wipe their noses when they need to. Enclosed spaces where people gather, such as classrooms, offices, and homes, can be high risk areas for the spread of URIs. Typically, a URI lasts 7–10 days, and sometimes, up to 3 weeks. In some cases, these infections develop into more serious issues, such as sinus infections or pneumonia. This article explores how to identify a URI, the possible causes, how it spreads, and the available treatments.
While different types of URI can cause different symptoms, some common symptoms include: Other symptoms can include: On average, symptoms start 1–3 days after an individual comes into contact with a person with the infection and then last 7–10 days. Types of URISeveral types of URI exist, and doctors classify them according to the part of the respiratory tract that they mainly affect. Types of URI include: The common coldMany viruses can cause a cold. Symptoms may include:
The symptoms usually go away with home treatment after 10–14 days. SinusitisSinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, and it may stem from an infection in another part of the respiratory system. The inflammation can lead to increased mucus production and blocked sinuses, due to difficulty draining. Some symptoms of sinusitis are:
A person should contact a doctor if their symptoms last for longer than 10 days without improvement. LaryngitisThis is inflammation of the vocal cords, also known as the larynx. Some common symptoms include:
The symptoms usually last about 7–10 days. PharyngitisPharyngitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the pharynx, or back of the throat. It often occurs with URIs. Some common symptoms of pharyngitis are:
A doctor may find that there are ulcers on the walls of the throat. More serious symptomsAn individual needs medical attention if the following occur:
URIs may resolve without treatment, or the symptoms may be mild and easy to treat at home. However, these infections can cause more serious symptoms or complications that need professional care. Getting a diagnosis may be important, as the initial symptoms can resemble those of other illnesses, such as: If any symptoms do not resolve with home care or if they get worse, a person should contact a doctor. This is especially important if they experience difficulty breathing. Some over-the-counter (OTC) medicines may help adults with URI symptoms. These include: Pain relief medication
Decongestants
Antihistamines
According to a 2019 study, nasal decongestants and antihistamines may together be an effective treatment approach. The study authors also note that children under the age of 4 should not use cold medication. Treating a URI generally involves making a person more comfortable by relieving their symptoms. Some people find that home remedies help. There is not enough conclusive evidence to show whether these remedies work, but some options include: Other home care strategies include:
Find more cold and flu remedies here. A URI is contagious. It spreads through tiny droplets that a person with an infection exhales. Individuals may contract the illness through breathing in an uncovered cough or sneeze or via hand-to-hand contact with unwashed hands. A person who touches their hands to their eyes, mouth, or nose can introduce the virus to their system. The body has several natural defenses against URIs:
Learn eight ways to avoid the flu and the common cold here. According to the American Lung Association, certain bacteria and viruses responsible for URIs can lead to pneumonia. The bacteria most often responsible for pneumonia are Streptococcus pneumoniae. Common viruses that can cause pneumonia include influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Influenza can be fatal, particularly for people living with preexisting conditions. RSV is the most common form of viral pneumonia, and typically, it is not as serious as bacterial pneumonia. Therefore, it is beneficial for a person to receive both the influenza vaccine and the pneumonia vaccine. Doing so can decrease the risk of transmission of these conditions and reduce the severity of disease in those who get sick. Viruses and bacteria can cause URIs. When a person with a URI sneezes or coughs, droplets of saliva and mucus that contain the pathogen spray into the air. Other people may breathe the droplets in, or they can land on surfaces that others touch. If a person touches a contaminated surface and then their nose, eyes, or mouth, they may develop the infection. Other risk factors for URIs include:
While most URIs resolve without medical attention, complications can arise, some of which can be severe. A person should receive medical guidance if they have a URI and:
When to seek help for COVID-19Anyone who has or may have COVID-19 should stay at home and rest. However, if any of the following issues develop, the person may need immediate care: If any of the above arise, call 911 or take the person to a local emergency facility. Call ahead to let them know that the person arriving may have COVID-19. It is not always possible to prevent a URI, but taking the following precautions can help:
When spending time in a crowded space is unavoidable, increasing the ventilation, such as by opening a window on a packed bus, may help. URIs may cause similar symptoms, such as coughing, excess mucus, nasal congestion, a runny nose, and a sore throat. Each type of URI may cause characteristic symptoms, as well. Doctors classify these infections based on their location in the respiratory tract. Most people recover from a URI within 2 weeks with or without OTC or home treatments. However, if the symptoms get worse or are severe, a person should contact a doctor. Last medically reviewed on November 18, 2021 Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. |
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