Upper Respiratory Infection

What are upper respiratory infections?

Upper respiratory infections are often caused by a virus and affect your respiratory system, the parts of your body that work together to allow you to breathe properly. Such infections affect your throat, sinuses, airways, and the way you breathe. 

Examples of upper respiratory infections include:

• Common colds
• Sinus infections
• Laryngitis
• Epiglottitis
• Pharyngitis

In comparison, lower respiratory tract infections affect your lungs, often last longer, and may be more serious. Examples of lower respiratory infections include bronchiolitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and chest infections.

What are the symptoms of upper respiratory infections?

Some of the common symptoms of upper respiratory infections include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Hoarse voice
• Red eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Ear pain

Your symptoms might last about 7-14 days, but every patient is different. The symptoms may be mild or severe and debilitating. See the RGV Urgent Care Clinic team for symptom relief. 

What are the risk factors for upper respiratory infections?

Upper respiratory infections appear after a virus or bacteria enters your upper respiratory tract. You can get sick through droplets in the air if an infected person talks, sneezes, or coughs on you. 

You might get respiratory infections from touching shared surfaces or shaking hands with someone who is sick and then touching your nose, eyes, or mouth.

Your risk of infections increases if your immune system is weakened because of younger age, older age, or a chronic disease.

How does my provider diagnose upper respiratory infections?

To find out if you have an upper respiratory infection and receive treatment when needed, your RGV Urgent Care Clinic provider reviews your symptoms and medical history. They ask about your lifestyle habits, medication regimen, and history of illnesses and diseases.

Your provider also checks your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs. They complete a physical exam and may suggest:

• Nasal swab
• Throat swab
• On-site chest X-rays
• Lung CT scan
• Lung function tests
• Sputum tests

Sputum tests evaluate sputum you cough up, which is the phlegm within your lungs.

How are upper respiratory infections treated?

The most common treatments for upper respiratory infections include rest, fluids, and proper nutrition. You might take medicines to speed up healing or relieve bothersome symptoms. Make sure to get plenty of rest to allow your body to fight the infection with a low risk of complications.

To get relief from upper respiratory infections, call the RGV Urgent Care Clinic office or schedule an appointment online today.