What is this upper respiratory infection (URI)?
Simply put, it's an infection of your upper respiratory tract . That means it affects your nose, sinuses, and throat . Think of these organs as the main entrances through which air enters your body. So when a virus, or sometimes bacteria, gets into these places and causes an infection, that's what we call a URI. Most of the time, these are caused by viruses . The common cold, which we all know, is a URI caused by a virus. But sometimes, things like strep throat, for example, can be caused by bacteria . Rarely, fungi can also cause this, but that's very rare.What are the symptoms of this? See if you have these too!
When an upper respiratory infection occurs, each person may experience different symptoms. It depends on the type of germ that entered and the area of the body that is most affected. Some infections can cause swelling in different parts of the throat. For example, `(Pharyngitis)` (swelling inside the throat) and `(Laryngitis)` (swelling of the vocal cords) can occur. Here are some of the common symptoms:- Runny nose or stuffy nose : This is the first sign that comes to mind for many people. Some people also have difficulty breathing due to stuffy nose.
- Sore throat : Itchy , sore throat, pain when swallowing.
- Cough: It may start as a dry cough and then turn into a cough with phlegm.
- Sneezing : Frequent sneezing is also a common symptom.
- Fever: You may develop a fever, which may start as a mild fever.
- Headache : A heavy, severe headache may occur.
- Hoarseness or loss of voice: When you have a throat infection, your voice may become hoarse or even disappear completely.
- Fatigue and lethargy: You may feel so tired that you can't do anything.
- Facial pain : Pain may occur, especially in the forehead and cheek area. This is more common in conditions like sinusitis.
- Wheezing : Some people may hear a wheezing sound in their chest when they breathe.
- Swollen lymph nodes
Why do we get these upper respiratory infections?
As we've talked about before, these diseases are often caused by viruses .- Common cold viruses: These are the main cause. There are hundreds of types of these viruses.
- Influenza virus `(Influenza A and B virus – the flu): This is what we call "viral flu". It can be a little more severe than the common cold.
- COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2 virus – COVID-19): This also affects the upper respiratory system and sometimes the lower respiratory system.
- RSV virus (Respiratory Syncytial Virus – RSV): This can affect young children and the elderly more severely.
- Other viruses, such as Varicella-zoster virus (the virus that causes chickenpox) and Herpes simplex virus, can also rarely cause it.
- Streptococcus bacteria: For example, Group A Strep causes sore throats. Streptococcus pneumoniae can also cause infections.
- Haemophilus influenzae bacteria
- Moraxella catarrhalis bacteria
Is this disease contagious? How is it transmitted?
Yes, most upper respiratory infections are contagious, especially those caused by viruses and bacteria. Just think, these germs can easily spread from one person to another.- Respiratory droplets: These germs are found in tiny droplets of saliva that are released from the mouth and nose when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks loudly. When these droplets are inhaled by someone nearby, they can become infected.
- By sharing food and drinks:This can happen from things like drinking water from the same cup, eating food from the same spoon, etc. This can also happen from sharing water bottles among school children.
- By touching surfaces that are contaminated with germs: If we touch something that someone who is sick has touched, such as a doorknob, light switch, phone, or toy, and then touch our nose, mouth, or eyes with the same hand, the germs can enter our body.
Just imagine how much of a chance there is of contracting the disease in this way when riding a bus, train, or in crowded places.However, upper respiratory infections caused by fungi are not usually transmitted from person to person.
Can this cause dangerous complications?
Most of the time, a ``URI'', like a common cold, is not that serious. It will get better in a few days, a week or two. However, sometimes it can cause complications .- Some URIs can cause the infection to spread to the lungs, causing a condition called pneumonia .
- If a bacterial infection is not treated properly, the bacteria can travel through the bloodstream and affect other areas. For example:
- Meningitis (also called brain fever, inflammation of the membranes covering the brain)
- Rheumatic fever (affects the heart, joints, and brain)
- Scarlet fever ( a fever with a red rash on the skin)
- Sepsis ( blood poisoning, this is very dangerous)
- Damage to other organs.
- For small babies
- For those over 65 years of age
- People with weakened immune systems (e.g., those with diseases such as diabetes, cancer, HIV, or those taking medications that suppress the immune system)
- For those with other chronic diseases (heart disease, lung disease).
How does a doctor diagnose this?
Most of the time, a doctor will diagnose a URI based on your symptoms . They may also take a nasal swab or throat culture. This is to determine if you have a cold, a specific infection like COVID-19, or if you have a sore throat, a bacteria like strep throat. If your symptoms are not severe and nothing is found on those tests, it is likely a common cold virus. They don't always test for it.How is this treated? (Treatment)
The treatment method depends on the cause of the infection .- Viral URIs: Like the common cold, there is no specific treatment for most viral URIs. All that is needed is to relieve the symptoms and give the body a rest.
- Drink plenty of water (at least 2-3 liters per day).
- Drink warm things (things like coriander, fenugreek, ginger tea).
- Rest well.
- For fever and headaches, take a medicine like paracetamol, which you can buy at the pharmacy.
- If your nose is stuffy, try steam inhalation.
- Bacterial URIs: If you have a bacterial infection, such as strep throat, a doctor will give you antibiotics .
The most important thing: Take the antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your doctor, for the exact number of days, at the exact time. Don't stop taking them just because you feel better. Doing so may cause the bacteria to get worse instead of killing them completely, or it may cause bacteria to develop resistance to the medication.
What can you do to get well soon?
If you have a viral illness, you have to wait until the virus has completely cleared from your body. This usually takes about a week or two. The best thing you can do is to do things that relieve your symptoms, as mentioned above, and get plenty of rest. When you start taking antibiotics for a bacterial infection, your symptoms will start to improve within a day or two. However, be sure to take the medication for the full number of days prescribed by your doctor.How long is this disease contagious? (Contagious Period)
Viral URIs are usually most contagious in the first few days after symptoms start. Sometimes, you can be contagious as early as a day or two after symptoms start. Even if you feel better but still have symptoms (such as coughing and sneezing), you can still spread the illness to someone else. Bacterial infections, such as strep throat, can be contagious for weeks if left untreated.When should I see a doctor?
You don't always need to run to the doctor for a common cold. But, you should definitely see a doctor if:- If the symptoms are very severe: for example, high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain.
- If symptoms last more than two weeks: A common cold doesn't last that long.
- If the illness occurs frequently.
When do you need to go to a hospital (ETU) immediately?
If you have any of these symptoms, it could be an emergency. So go to a hospital emergency room immediately:- High fever: (Fever above 103 Fahrenheit / 40 Celsius).
- Difficulty breathing: Shortness of breath, rapid breathing.
- Chest pain.
- Abnormal sounds when breathing: wheezing or stridor.
- Dizziness (vertigo).
- Retractions: The skin between the ribs of the chest pulls inward while breathing (this can be seen especially in young children).
- Confusion or mental changes: Talking slurredly, seeming to be out of sorts, or unable to make the right choices.
How to avoid these diseases? (Prevention)
Isn't it better to try to prevent a "(URI)" before it happens than to suffer from it? Here are some simple things you can do:- Get recommended vaccinations: Get vaccines like the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine on time.
- Wash your hands often with soap: especially before eating, after using the toilet, and after going out.
- Keeping frequently touched surfaces clean: Wipe down surfaces like doorknobs, tables, and telephones with disinfectant.
- Do not share food, water bottles, or cups with others.
- If you are sick, wear a mask to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others. Also, stay home as much as possible if you are sick.
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
Does every URI need `(Antibiotics)`?
This is a common misconception. Most of the time, a URI doesn't need antibiotics! Because, as we discussed earlier, most URIs are caused by viruses . Antibiotics don't work on viruses. They only work on bacteria. So, don't just run to the pharmacy and ask for antibiotics when you have a cold. Antibiotics will only be prescribed if a doctor has examined you and determined that it is a bacterial infection (e.g., strep throat).What happens when we use antibiotics is that the good bacteria in our bodies die and dangerous bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics develop. Then, when we really need antibiotics, those medicines may stop working. That is a very dangerous situation.
Finally, things to remember
Sore throat, headache, runny nose... these `(URI)` symptoms are really annoying. But the good news is that most upper respiratory tract infections are not dangerous. Most are caused by viruses, and with plenty of fluids, rest, and symptom-relieving measures, you will recover in a few days to a week or two. You will soon be able to return to your normal activities. However, if you have any doubts about your symptoms, if they are severe, or if they have lasted for more than two weeks, you should definitely see a doctor. It is best to seek medical advice as soon as possible, especially if you are a young child, an elderly person, or someone with a weakened immune system. Don't forget, simple hygiene habits like washing your hands can go a long way in preventing these illnesses. Stay healthy everyone!`Upper Respiratory Infection, URI, cold, flu, sore throat, common cold, virus, bacteria, treatment, prevention
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