Upper respiratory infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria, with symptoms including coughing, sore throat, congestion, and discharge. Over 200 viruses and bacteria can cause these infections, with the common cold being a typical source. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, while decongestants can relieve symptoms.
Those suffering from an upper respiratory infection may experience mild to severe symptoms. Depending on the type of infection and the underlying cause, the specific symptoms may vary. The most common symptoms of an upper respiratory infection generally include coughing, sore throat, sneezing, nasal congestion, and discharge.
Both bacteria and viruses can cause an infection to develop in the upper respiratory tract, which includes the sinuses, nasal cavity, pharynx, and voice box. Over 200 different viruses and bacteria have been implicated in the formation of upper respiratory infections. The rhinovirus, which causes the common cold, is one of the most typical sources of upper respiratory infections. Cold symptoms generally include coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and congestion.
Other viruses that cause upper respiratory infections include adenoviruses, enteroviruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The bacteria that cause the symptoms of an upper respiratory infection are strep, anaerobic and gram negative bacteria. Specific manifestations of infections from both bacterial and viral sources include pharyngitis, laryngitis, epiglottitis, tracheitis, rhinitis, and sinusitis.
Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the back of the throat and is often caused by strep throat. The main symptoms of pharyngitis are sore throat, accompanied by fever, headache, swollen lymph nodes and joint pain. Laryngitis is similar to pharyngitis, except that swelling and irritation occurs in the larynx, leading to hoarseness and temporary loss of voice.
Epiglottitis is characterized by swelling of the epiglottis, which is located between the base of the tongue and the trachea. Fever, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing are symptoms associated with epiglottitis. Tracheitis – or inflammation of the trachea – usually produces a deep cough with fever, headache and dizziness. While the trachea is classified as a lower respiratory structure, tracheitis is considered an acute upper respiratory infection by most of the medical community.
Rhinitis and sinusitis are infections that occur in the nasal area and sinuses. Both conditions can be attributed to allergic and non-allergic causes. A runny nose, stuffy nose, and inflammation inside the nose are the most common symptoms of rhinitis. Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, which are located in areas of the face and skull. Headache and nasal discharge are two of the most common symptoms of sinusitis.
If the cause of an upper respiratory tract infection is bacterial, the symptoms are usually treated with antibiotics. Symptoms caused by viral infections unfortunately do not respond to antibiotics. Decongestants are often used to relieve the congestion and nasal symptoms of an upper respiratory infection.
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