Symptoms, Causes and Diagnosis of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI)
URTI (Upper Respiratory Tract Infection) or the common cold is a catarrhal and inflammatory condition of the upper respiratory tract, caused due to viral, allergic or mixed infection. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, a running nose, heaviness of the head followed by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, bodyache, fever with chills and loss of appetite. Allergens, viruses and bacteria are the common factors that cause this disease. A cough may be caused by inflammation of the larynx or pharynx due to changes in weather. There is a higher incidence of cough during winter. The intake of catarrh-forming foods such as white bread, meat, sugar, porridge, puddings and pies, often contribute to bringing on cough, in winter. Hay fever, flu, sinusitis, etc are associated causes of this disease.
URTI is a viral infection involving the nose, throat and windpipe (upper respiratory tract). It usually lasts for 7 to 10 days, and can be highly contagious for the first 2 to 3 days. It is transmitted by infected people, usually when they cough or sneeze. It is not uncommon for people to have a cold many times in a year. Colds can occur any time of the year, but they usually occur in the cooler months. In warmer places, colds are most common when it rains. Most people recover without any treatment.
Causes of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI)
Common colds are caused by viral infections.
There are over 200 different types of cold viruses, the most common being the rhinovirus. Since there are so many different types of cold viruses, it is highly unlikely that an individual can develop immunity to them.
Symptoms develop as a result of the body’s response to the virus.
Cough is nature’s way of clearing secretions from the nose, throat or lungs.
Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
The following are the signs that indicate the presence of this ailment:
- Running or blocked nose, sneezing, sore throat, congestion, headache, low grade fever with body pain, loss of appetite, lethargy and insomnia.
- You should see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Temperature (mouth) > 38.5°C, severe pain in the chest, stomach or ears, enlarged lymph nodes (glands) in the neck, shortness of breath, wheezing and sore throat.
- Fever, a sore throat or runny nose that persists for more than one week also calls for medical attention.
Diagnosis of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI)
The medical history and a physical examination are usually sufficient to make the diagnosis.
Tips for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) Care
In addition to taking over-the-counter drugs, you may try the following measures to relieve discomfort during the illness:
- Rest until symptoms subside.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Gargle with warm water or use throat lozenges.
- Use a humidifier while sleeping.
- Inhale steam to reduce nasal congestion.
- Use petroleum jelly around the nose and lips, for raw, chapped skin.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching common area objects such as doorknobs, taps, etc. You may also carry a hand sanitizer to clean your hands.
- Avoid smoking.
- Do not share articles like towels or cutlery.
- Avoid close contact with people who have a cold.