Colds, flu, and sore throats are common ailments that we often get. We all know the discomfort of a stuffy nose, runny nose, and a sore throat. This often happens when an infection enters our upper respiratory system. In medicine, we call this condition an upper respiratory infection, or in English, an 'Upper Respiratory Infection', or URI for short. Let's talk about this in simple terms today.
What exactly is an upper respiratory infection (URI)?
Simply put, a URI is an infection caused by a virus or bacteria entering your upper respiratory tract, which includes your nose, sinuses, and throat .
Think about the common cold. That's the best example of this. It's a URI caused by a virus. But sometimes these infections can also be caused by bacteria. For example, strep throat, which is a throat infection, is caused by bacteria. And there are some viruses, like influenza (the flu), COVID-19, and RSV, that can affect both the upper and lower parts of our respiratory system (the lungs).
What are the common symptoms of this?
The symptoms of this infection depend on where the infection is located and what caused it. For example, symptoms may vary depending on the location of the infection (pharyngitis) or the location of the infection (laryngitis).
Below are some of the common symptoms that can be seen.
| Symptom | A little description |
|---|---|
| Fever | Feeling hot. |
| Sore throat | Sore throat, itching, pain when swallowing. |
| Cough | Cough with or without phlegm. |
| Runny nose or stuffy nose | This is something everyone knows. |
| Sneezing | Frequent sneezing. |
| Hoarseness of voice | The voice has changed, and sometimes the inability to speak. |
| Feeling tired | Feeling helpless and unable to do anything. |
| Facial pain | Feeling pain, especially around the nose, under the eyes, and in the forehead area. |
| Wheezing | A subtle whistling sound coming from the chest when breathing. |
| Swelling of the ankle | Swelling of the lymph nodes on both sides of the neck. |
Why do we get these infections?
Most of the time, these upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses , but as I mentioned earlier, they can also be caused by bacteria and sometimes fungi.
Here are some of the main reasons:
- Viruses that cause the common cold
- Influenza A and B virus (the flu)
- SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19)
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
- Bacteria like Streptococcus
- The bacterium Haemophilus influenzae
- The bacterium Moraxella catarrhalis
- Fungi like Aspergillus (these are very rare)
Is this disease contagious?
Yes, absolutely . The viruses and bacteria that cause these URIs can be spread very easily from person to person. Let's see how:
- By respiratory droplets: Through small droplets of saliva that are expelled from the mouth and nose of an infected person when they cough, sneeze, or talk.
- By sharing utensils: By sharing things like cups, water bottles, cutlery, etc. with an infected person.
- By touching surfaces that are contaminated with germs: Doorknobs, light switches, phones, and toys can be contaminated with germs. If you touch them and then touch your nose, mouth, or eyes with the same hand, you can become infected.
But remember, upper respiratory infections caused by fungi are not usually transmitted from person to person.
Can this cause dangerous complications?
The good news is that a URI, like the common cold, rarely causes serious complications.
However, sometimes these infections can spread to the lungs, causing conditions like pneumonia . And if left untreated, infections, especially bacterial or fungal, can spread to other parts of the body, causing more serious conditions like:
- Meningitis
- Rheumatic fever
- Scarlet fever
- Blood poisoning (Sepsis)
- Organ damage
If you have a weakened immune system, are over 65 years old, or are a newborn baby, you are at higher risk of developing these complications.
When should I see a doctor?
Most of the time, a simple URI will get better in a few days. However, there are some cases where you should definitely seek medical advice. Let's take a closer look at what those cases are.
| When to see your doctor | |
|---|---|
| If symptoms are severe | If it feels worse than a common cold, if you are too tired to do even daily tasks. |
| If it lasts more than two weeks | A common viral infection will get better in a week or two. Anything that lasts longer than that could mean it's a bacterial infection or another health problem. |
| If it occurs frequently | If these types of infections continue to occur over a period of several months, it is important to check if there is another underlying cause. |
| If you have these symptoms, go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. | |
| High fever | If the fever is higher than 40 degrees Celsius (103 Fahrenheit). |
| Difficulty breathing | If you have difficulty breathing or feel like you are suffocating. |
| Chest pain | If your chest feels tight or painful. |
| Abnormal sounds when breathing | If there is wheezing or stridor. |
| Dizziness or lightheadedness | If you feel dizzy , confused, or have altered consciousness. |
| Retractions | If the skin between the ribs of the chest pulls inward when breathing, this is a sign of severe respiratory distress. |
How is it treated?
The treatment for this depends on the cause of the infection.
- Viral infections: There is no specific treatment for URIs caused by viruses, such as the common cold. All you have to do is allow the body to heal itself using its own immune system. This includes getting plenty of rest, drinking plenty of water and fluids . Symptoms such as fever and body aches can be treated with medications such as paracetamol. These usually resolve within a week or two.
- Bacterial infections: For an illness caused by bacteria, such as a strep throat infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics .
It is very important to note that antibiotics do not work for viral infections . Therefore, do not take antibiotics on your own without consulting a doctor. Doing so will only cause adverse effects on the body and may lead to antibiotic resistance, which will prevent the medicine from working properly in the future. If a doctor prescribes antibiotics, you should take them for the full number of days prescribed, even if you feel better.
How can you avoid these diseases?
There are a few simple things we can do to stay safe from these infections.
- Get recommended vaccinations: It is especially important to get vaccinated against diseases like influenza and COVID-19.
- Wash your hands thoroughly often: Make it a habit to wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.
- Use disinfectant: Keep frequently touched items like doorknobs, light switches, and phones clean.
- Do not share food and drinks: use your own cups, cutlery and forks.
- If you are sick, wear a mask: If you have a cold, wearing a mask when you are around other people can help prevent spreading the illness to others.
Take-Home Message
- Most upper respiratory infections (URIs) are caused by viruses, such as the common cold. They are usually not serious and resolve on their own with rest and fluids.
- Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. They have no effect on viruses. Therefore, use them only if prescribed by a doctor.
- If you have severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, high fever, chest pain, or confusion, do not hesitate to go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.
- Simple hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing can help prevent the spread of these types of infections.
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