
This article discusses the different types of upper respiratory tract infections as well as their symptoms, causes, treatments, complications, and when to contact a doctor.
A
In contrast, a lower respiratory infection is an infection of the
There are different types of URIs, and many of them have similar symptoms.
Symptoms can vary depending on the specific type of virus causing the infection and the location of the infection in the respiratory tract. Symptoms are often mild and appear 2–3 days after exposure to a virus.
Common cold
A
- sneezing
- runny or stuffy nose
- cough
- sore throat
Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis is also
Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is an infection of the epiglottis. The epiglottis is the flap of tissue that covers the windpipe to keep food from entering the lungs when you swallow. Most people with epiglottitis have a sore throat.
In adults and older children, the most common symptoms of epiglottitis are difficulty swallowing and drooling.
In young children, epiglottitis symptoms are typically hoarseness and difficulty breathing.
Croup
Croup respiratory
- barking cough
- hoarseness
- difficulty breathing
- noisy breathing
- fever (occasionally)
Other types of upper respiratory infections
Several other illnesses are lumped into the
There are other infections that cause respiratory symptoms but are not considered URIs. For example, acute bronchitis (often called a chest cold)
Influenza (flu) also affects the respiratory system, but it is a systemic illness that affects many parts of the body, not only the upper respiratory tract.
URIs are often mild and may resolve on their own. Symptoms typically last
Call a doctor if URI symptoms are not getting better, or if you have a chronic disease or compromised immune system.
Symptoms that might indicate a serious or life threatening condition
In some cases, URIs can lead to serious and sometimes life threatening conditions, such as pneumonia. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for a URI with the following symptoms:
- having a high fever, higher than 101°F (38°C)
- experiencing difficulty breathing or swallowing
- having pale or bluish coloration of the lips, skin, or fingernails
- retracting of the muscles in the neck or between the ribs when breathing
- having uncontrollable shaking chills
- experiencing lethargy or unresponsiveness
URIs are usually caused by viruses, but they can also be caused by bacteria. For a common cold, symptoms can begin as early as
The most common ways people contract URIs include airborne transmission of infected droplets or direct contact with an infected surface. For example, this might occur when a person with a URI sneezes and you breathe in those droplets, or if you touch an infected surface and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
The more common viruses include:
- adenovirus
- coronavirus
- enterovirus
- parainfluenza virus
- respiratory syncytial virus
- rhinovirus
Being wet or cold does not cause respiratory infections, although these conditions may lower the body’s resistance to infection.
Anyone can get a URI, but some people have a higher risk of developing URIs.
Adults typically have about two to three colds every year, but young children have an average of six to eight colds annually.
Risk factors for a URI or for developing complications include:
- regular close contact with children in school or daycare
- being very young
- chronic disease, such as asthma or allergies
- smoking
- compromised immune system
- exposure to a person with a URI
- frequently touching the eyes, nose, or mouth, especially without washing your hands
You can lower your risk of catching a URI by:
- avoiding contact with a person who has a URI
- avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- frequently cleaning high-touch surfaces such as counters, keyboards, and doorknobs
- washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
There is no cure for URIs caused by viruses, but you can treat your symptoms while your body fights the infection.
OTC medication precautions
Children
People with a URI, particularly children under age 18, should not use aspirin or products that contain aspirin because of the risk of developing a rare but life threatening condition called
OTC pain relievers may worsen asthma and other health conditions, so check with your doctor before taking them.
Treating viral upper respiratory infections
You can help speed recovery and ease symptoms by getting plenty of rest, drinking extra fluids, or taking OTC pain relievers, cold medications, or cough drops. Antibiotics cannot treat a viral infection.
Treating bacterial upper respiratory infections
Antibiotics are usually needed to treat a bacterial upper respiratory tract infection. OTC pain relievers and cold medications along with extra fluids and rest can help ease symptoms and speed recovery.
URIs usually do not cause complications, but in some people, a URI can lower the body’s immune defenses and lead to more serious infections. People most at risk for complications include:
- infants and toddlers
- older adults
- people who have a compromised immune system
- people who have a chronic disease, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, or heart disease
Complications of URIs include:
- acute bronchitis
- sinus infection
- ear infection
- pneumonia
- worsening of asthma
Here are some questions people commonly ask about URIs.
How long do upper respiratory infections last?
Generally, URIs caused by viruses will get better on their own after
Are upper respiratory infections contagious?
URIs are highly contagious. They can be spread by touching surfaces with germs and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, or by breathing in germs when someone nearby coughs or sneezes.
Is COVID-19 considered an upper respiratory infection?
Mild cases of COVID-19 typically are limited to the upper respiratory tract. The lower respiratory tract may become infected in moderate cases of COVID-19.
While URIs are common and usually not serious illnesses, sometimes complications can arise. If you have been treating the infection at home but your symptoms do not improve after a week or two, or if they get worse, call your doctor. Sometimes URIs can cause more serious health complications, which may need a doctor’s treatment.