A group of infections that negatively affect the respiratory tract above the vocal cords is called upper respiratory infections (URIs). People who develop URIs often experience a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, or headaches. The most common URIs include strep throat, sinus infections, and common colds. While most types go away on their own, some of them require treatment. In addition, viruses that cause the flu, COVID-19, and RSV can cause both upper and lower respiratory infections.
Symptoms
The symptoms may appear differently among people with upper respiratory infections because they depend on the exact location and severity of the infection, age, and other factors. These infections may cause swelling in the respiratory tract and cause conditions such as pharyngitis, laryngitis, and epiglottitis. Check below some examples:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Sneezing
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Hoarse voice or loss of voice
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Facial pain
- Wheezing
- Swollen lymph nodes
If you experience any of the previous symptoms, do not hesitate to see a doctor.
Causes
In most cases, people develop URIs due to viruses, but they can also happen due to fungi and bacteria. Check below some specific causes:
- SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19)
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Influenza A and B viruses (the flu)
- Common cold viruses
- Herpes simplex virus
- Varicella-zoster virus
- Streptococcus bacteria (including group A strep and Streptococcus pneumoniae)
- Haemophilus influenzae bacteria
- Moraxella catarrhalis bacteria
- Aspergillus, mucormycetes, and other types of fungi
While these infections are not contagious themselves, the viruses and bacteria that cause them can spread from one person to another. They often spread through:
- Respiratory droplets are expelled when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks
- Sharing drinks, food, or utensils (including forks, spoons, cups, or water bottles)
- Direct contact with contaminated objects or surfaces (including doorknobs, light switches, phones, or toys)
In addition, when you develop an upper respiratory infection due to fungi, it is not contagious.
Risk Factors
There are certain factors that may put you at increased risk of developing URIs. Check below some examples:
- Weakened immune system – The immune system may become weakened due to certain health conditions, such as HIV infection, cancer, cystic fibrosis, or some treatments, including immunosuppressants, cancer treatments (such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and others).
- Exposure to children – Usually, children are carriers of germs that easily spread to other people.
- Chronic health conditions – For example, COPD, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, allergies, and others.
- Smoking
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia)
- Persistent stress
- Environmental factors (such as daycare centers, public transportation, and others)
- Continuous exposure to air pollution (including wildfire smoke)
- Seasonal factors – For example, rhinoviruses
What Are The Potential Complications of Upper Respiratory Infection?
These infections cause complications in rare cases. They can occur if you develop a severe form of infection or leave it untreated. Check below some examples:
- Pneumonia
- Meningitis
- Rheumatic fever
- Sepsis
- Organ damage
- Scarlet fever
- Ear infections (such as otitis media)
- Sinus infections
- Bronchitis
- Worsening of existing health conditions, such as asthma, COPD, and others
- Orbital cellulitis
This document does not contain a complete list of URI complications. However, you can consult with your healthcare professional about ways to reduce the risk or prevent these complications. In addition, people with a weakened immune system are at higher risk of developing URI complications.
How to Prevent Upper Respiratory Infections?
There are some tips that may help reduce the risk of developing URIs. Check below some examples:
- Get up to date with vaccinations
- Regularly wash your hands and disinfect surfaces
- Do not share foods, drinks, or utensils
- Wear a protective mask if you come in close contact with an infected person
Diagnosis
Usually, doctors diagnose this condition based on symptoms. They may also ask some questions about symptoms and medical history. When it is not clear, they can perform some tests to confirm the condition and exclude others that cause similar symptoms. Usually, physicians perform a nasal swab or throat culture.
However, if you experience mild symptoms and tests are negative for infections (including the flu or strep throat), you may have one of hundreds of common cold viruses. In such cases, doctors do not perform tests because it often goes away on its own.
Treatment
The treatments are often different among people with URIs. It depends on the type, severity, and exact cause of infections, age, existing health problems, and preferences. Therefore, doctors often prescribe antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungal medications. In most cases, URIs caused by viruses clear without treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are you contagious with an upper respiratory infection?
Usually, an infected person is contagious for several days with symptoms. In some cases, you may continue to be contagious even when you feel better. Without treatment, a type of upper respiratory infection (strep throat) can be contagious for weeks.
When should I go to the ER?
If you notice any of the following symptoms, immediately go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 in the U.S., or the emergency number from your region. Check below some examples:
- Chest pain, especially if it occurs suddenly
- Trouble breathing
- High fever (more than 103 degrees F or 40 degrees C)
- Dizziness
- Confusion
How long does an upper respiratory infection last?
Commonly, a URI goes away within 1-2 weeks, but in severe cases, it may last up to 21 days.
How to get rid of an upper respiratory infection fast?
Usually, to recover faster, it is recommended to focus on rest, hydration, and symptom relief. In other words, get plenty of sleep and liquids and take over-the-counter (OTC) medicines when needed. Ask your healthcare professional if you have any other questions.
