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URI-Upper respiratory infection

An upper respiratory infection(URI) affects the upper part of the respiratory system, including  sinuses and throat. Upper respiratory infection symptoms can include a runny nose, sore throat and cough. Treatment for upper respiratory infections often includes rest, fluids and OTC pain relievers.

The symptoms of upper respiratory infection(URI) may last 14 to 21 days. 

URIs are most commonly caused by viruses, such as the rhinoviruses (which causes the common cold). However, they can also be caused by bacteria in some cases. Transmission often occurs through airborne droplets from coughs or sneezes, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face.

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. These infections are classified based on their location in the respiratory tract.

Things one can do:
  1. get plenty of rest.
  2. drink lots of water to loosen any mucus and make it easier to cough up.
  3. drink hot lemon and honey drink to help soothe a cough (not suitable for young children)
  4. gargle with warm salt water if you have a sore throat (children should not try this)

Recover from an upper respiratory infection faster by staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, cough medicine, saline spray, and inhaling steam from hot water in order to loosen mucus.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if: You seem to be getting much sicker. You have new or worse trouble breathing. You have a new or high fever.

Author
Paddy Kalish OD, JD and B.Arch

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