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What is upper respiratory tract infection?

Upper respiratory tract infection (uri) is a contagious infection of the nose, throat, and airways.

Uris are caused by viruses the vast majority of the time; however, bacteria are also capable of becoming the offender in some situations.

Types of upper respiratory tract infection:



Sinusiti: sinusitis is a form of infection of the upper respiratory system that affects the sinuses. It is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi and can result in inflammation of the sinuses and nasal passages, leading to a stuffy nose, headaches, and facial pain.


Rhinitis: an upper respiratory tract infection characterised by inflammation of the nasal passages. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, and sore throat.


Pharyngitis: an upper respiratory tract infection that affects the pharynx (the part of the throat located behind the nose). Symptoms include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.


Laryngitis: an upper respiratory tract infection that affects the larynx (the voice box). Symptoms include hoarseness or loss of voice, coughing, and sore throat.


Bronchitis: an upper respiratory tract infection that affects the bronchi (the airways between the trachea and lungs). Symptoms include coughing up thick mucus (phlegm), chest pain or discomfort when breathing or coughing, fatigue, and shortness of breath.



What are the signs and symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection?



Common cold: the most common symptom of an upper respiratory tract infection is a cold, which is characterised by a runny nose, sneezing, coughing and congestion.


Sore throat: a sore throat is a common symptom of an upper respiratory tract infection and can be accompanied by difficulty swallowing or hoarseness.


Cough: coughing is also a common symptom of an upper respiratory tract infection and can range from dry to wet (producing mucus).


Nasal congestion: nasal congestion (or stuffiness) due to swelling of the nasal passages can also occur with an upper respiratory tract infection.


Headache: a headache may accompany an upper respiratory tract infection, especially if the person has a sinus infection or sinusitis.


Fever: a fever may be present with an upper respiratory tract infection, depending on the cause and severity of the illness.



What are possible complications of upper respiratory tract infection?



Acute bronchitis: this is a common complication of an upper respiratory tract infection, as the infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.


Pneumonia: a bacterial or viral infection of the lungs that can develop as a secondary complication of an infection of the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms may include fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.


Sinusitis: sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses that can be a consequence of an upper respiratory tract infection. Sinusitis can be caused by either a bacterial or a viral infection. Symptoms may include headache, facial pressure and pain, nasal congestion and discharge, and fatigue.


Ear infection: an inflammation of the ear caused by a bacterial or viral infection that can be a complication of an upper respiratory tract infection. Symptoms may include earache, fever, and fluid drainage from the ear.


Asthma exacerbation: an acute worsening of asthma symptoms caused by an upper respiratory tract infection that can lead to severe breathing difficulties if not treated promptly with appropriate medication.



Foods to eat and avoid in case of cough

Foods to eat:



Fruits and vegetables: fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre that can help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation in your body.


Whole grains: whole grains like oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread are high in b vitamins and magnesium which can help reduce inflammation in the respiratory system.


Honey: honey has natural antimicrobial properties that can help ease a cough as well as soothe a sore throat.


Ginger: ginger is known to be an effective natural remedy for easing a cough as it helps break up mucus.


Turmeric: the component of turmeric known as curcumin is responsible for the anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects of the spice.



Foods to avoid:



Dairy products: dairy products like milk, cheese, ice cream, etc, can worsen congestion due to their mucus-producing nature.


Processed foods: processed foods such as chips, cookies, etc, can cause inflammation in the body which can worsen your symptoms.


Alcohol: alcohol is known to be dehydrating and should be avoided when you are suffering from a cough or cold.



Home remedies and tips to avoid upper respiratory tract infections



Gargling with warm water mixed with salt: curcumin, which is found in turmeric, is the component of turmeric that is responsible for the anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties of the spice.


Drinking tulsi tea: tulsi or holy basil contains anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties which help to fight against infections that cause upper respiratory tract infections.


Drinking ginger tea: because of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics that ginger possesses, it is a good treatment for the symptoms that accompany infections of the upper respiratory tract.


Hot compress: applying a hot compress on the chest and throat helps to reduce chest congestion and improve breathing by loosening the mucus in the lungs.


Inhaling steam: inhaling steam helps in reducing chest congestion, relieving sinus pressure, and improving breathing by loosening mucus in the airways.


Drinking turmeric milk: turmeric contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which help to reduce fever, sore throat, and other symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.


Eating garlic: garlic is known for its antimicrobial properties which helps to reduce inflammation in the upper respiratory tract caused by bacterial or viral infection.


Drinking honey and lemon juice: honey is known for its antiviral properties while lemon juice is rich in vitamin c which helps to boost immunity and fight against infection causing bacteria or viruses that cause upper respiratory tract infection.


Eating curry leaves: curry leaves are known for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties which help to reduce symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections such as cough, colds, sore throat etc, thereby providing relief from it quickly.


Taking ayurvedic herbs such as amalaki (amla), guduchi (tinospora cordifolia), yastimadhu (glycyrrhiza glabra), bharangi (clerodendrum serratum) etc: these herbs have strong antiviral properties that can help fight against bacterial or viral infections causing upper respiratory tract infections effectively



What are the surgical treatments for upper respiratory tract infection?



Adenoidectomy: this is a surgical procedure to remove enlarged adenoids, which are located behind the nose and at the back of the throat. Adenoidectomy helps to reduce the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, such as difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring, and recurrent ear infections.


Tonsillectomy: this is a surgical procedure to remove enlarged tonsils, which are located at the back of the throat. Tonsillectomy helps reduce symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections, such as sore throat, difficulty swallowing and recurrent ear infections.


Septoplasty: this is a surgical procedure to repair a deviated septum, which is caused by misalignment of tissues in the nose that separate one nostril from another. Septoplasty helps to improve airflow through the nasal passages and reduce symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections, such as congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose.


Endoscopic sinus surgery: this is a minimally invasive surgery used to open blocked sinuses and improve airflow through them. Endoscopic sinus surgery can help relieve symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection by reducing nasal congestion and improving drainage of mucus from the sinuses.



Best doctors to consult for upper respiratory tract infection?



Primary care physician - your primary care physician is the best doctor to consult for an upper respiratory tract infection. They can diagnose the infection and provide treatment options, including prescriptions if needed.


Family doctor - a family doctor is also an excellent option for treating an upper respiratory tract infection. They can provide diagnosis and treatment, as well as guidance on how to manage the infection in the future.


Infectious disease specialist - an infectious disease specialist may be necessary if your infection has become complicated or is caused by a virus or bacteria that is difficult to diagnose or treat. They can provide specialised care and expertise in treating infections.


Pulmonologist - pulmonologists are a sub-specialty of physicians that focus on diagnosing, treating, and preventing illnesses and conditions that affect the lungs and other components of the respiratory system. If your upper respiratory tract infection is severe or persistent, a pulmonologist may be able to provide more advanced treatments such as medication, inhalers, oxygen therapy, or even surgery if necessary.



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Dear lybrate user, as you had detailed----you had an urti few months ago and had a swollen lymph node --which continues after urti is gone---i recommend you to have a check-up with a pulmonologist soon --they will examine your respiratory system in detail and will do local examination and give appropriate treatment ,if needed //or let you go with out any anxiety by explaining to you the details ------ok.

Consult a doctor and take proper check up. It is not normal. Needs more details.

Do xray chest hemogram coagulation profile test send me report as you get them we will advice you accordingly.

Hi, lybrate user, Relax ! its a simple allergic rehnitis involving your upper respiratory track owing to climate change, coronavirus will not allow you 25 days to think over. Go for a complete blood count to ascertain the relative,facts. Drink ,lukewarm water. Inhale ,steam, twice. Go for meditation to reduce your stress inorder to nourish your respiratory system. A private consultation provides you a faster input till, then take ,homoeopathic medicine , underlying: @ Bacillinum 1000th -5 drops, wkly. Avoid , junk food, cold intake, dust, smoke and Nicotine. Tk, care.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) occurs when a person inhales infectious bacteria along with the air that passes through the lungs via the respiratory tract. One of the main causes of these respiratory infections is Air Pollution.

Many studies have also shown that air pollution increases the risk of URTI; as these infections occur due to the inhalation of harmful pollutants like SO2, NO2, O3, and PM particles mixed with air.

One of the recent reports shows that this season has a great chance for smog. Smog also plays a role in increasing the risk of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections.

Few of the Upper Respiratory Tract Infections caused by Air Pollution that may affect the population are mentioned below:

Rhinitis: Rhinitis occur when the nasal cavity of the body gets inflamed.
Sinusitis and Rhinosinusitis: Commonly called as Sinus infection; such infection inflames the sinuses.
Nasopharyngitis or Common Cold: This is one of the most common problems that cause inflammation of pharynx, nares, hypopharynx, tonsils, and uvula
Pharyngitis: This causes inflammation of uvula, tonsils, and epiglottis.
Epiglottitis and Laryngitis: Epiglottitis causes inflammation of epiglottis whereas Laryngitis infect larynx.
Laryngotracheitis: This inflames both larynx and trachea.
Is Homeopathy Helpful For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection?

Yes, out of many standard and alternative medicines, Homeopathy is one of the most adequate ways for the treatment of URTI. It is helpful in treating many symptoms of URTI. Apart from treatment, it also provides strength to the Immune System of the body so that these infections inhibit the bacteria to infect the body in the future.

Facts About Treating URTI With Homoeopathy:

Best for Common Cold: When it comes to Common Cold, Homeopathy is the best treatment. It provides relief from the blockage of nose, burning sensation, and itching.
Homeopathy Inhibits Infection: Homeopathy helps a person who is suffering from sneezing and coughing. There are many medicines which help kill bacteria in the body.
No Side Effects: The best thing about these medicines is that they help treat Upper Respiratory Tract Infections without any side effect.
How To Prevent Air Pollutants That Cause Upper Respiratory Tract Infection?

These are the preventive measures which one can take to prevent themselves from URTI:

Wear protection masks before going out from home.
Decrease the usage of vehicles.
Use Biogas.
Plant more indoor plants for more oxygen.
Keep a neat and clean environment.
Apply cream near the Nostrils.
Wash face frequently
Consume jaggery in an appropriate amount after coming from outside.
Take vitamin C supplements.
Inhale steam and gargle with salt water.
The deteriorating air quality may lead to many respiratory infections, which is why it is our responsibility that we take some serious measures about air pollution and prevent URTI.

Hemoglobin a1c levels between 5.7% and 6.4% mean you have a higher chance of getting diabetes. Although its on lower side, but you need to take precautions. Follow diabetes diet which simply means eating the healthiest foods in moderate amounts and sticking to regular mealtimes. A diabetes diet is a healthy-eating plan that's naturally rich in nutrients and low in fat and calories. Key elements are fruits, vegetables and whole grains. U can take (moderate amount) grapes. Apples. Berries. Citrus fruits. Papaya. U should avoid sugar-sweetened beverages. Sugary beverages are the worst drink choice for someone with diabetes. Trans fats sugar, cake, pastries mithai/sweets chocolate fruits like mango, litchi etc. White bread, pasta fruit-flavored yogurt. Sweetened breakfast cereals. Flavored coffee drinks. Honey 1. Don't take tea empty stomach. Eat something like a banana (if you are not diabetic) or soaked almonds or any seasonal fruit. No only biscuits or rusk will not do. 2. Take your breakfast every day. Don't skip it. 3. Have light meals every 2 hours (in addition to your breakfast, lunch n dinner) e.g. Nariyal paani, chaach, a handful of dry fruits, a handful of peanuts, seasonal fruit, a cup of curd/milk etc 4. Finish your dinner at least 2 hours before going to sleep. 5. Maintain active life style 6. Avoid fast foods, spicy n fried foods 7.take a lot of green vegetables n fruit. 8. Drink lot of water. 9.curd is good for u. 10. Everyday preferably sleep on same timenow about point no. 5. You should join a gym for weight training. Do it 2-3 times a week with at least 48 hours in between 2 sessions. Other days you can do cardio exercises like yoga, cycling, swimming etc. For further details you can consult me.

No one likes to suffer from any infection, and especially not in the upper respiratory tract. This is because few things have the potential to ruin a person s productivity, and infection is one of those things.

The throat pain has its own unique way of irritating the person suffering from this infection along with a headache, which renders all intention to get stuff done useless. This takes a serious toll on a person s health and well-being.

Taking all this into account, a person would obviously want to get rid of the upper respiratory tract infection. In fact, there are a variety of ways in which doctors treat infections of the upper respiratory tract. After all, it all depends on the specific field of medicine that the doctor practices. As a matter of fact, homeopathy is said to be the best way to treat such an infection.

Belladonna is one of the most effective medicines from the field of homeopathy when it comes to treating upper respiratory tract infections. In fact, what often happens is that the medicine which is taken to nips the problem in the bud before it has been given the time and chance to progress.

While it is true that a name such as arsenicum album may be a little disconcerting on account of having the word Arsenic in its name, it does plays a big role in reducing the impact of upper respiratory tract infections. This medicine has its greatest effect on those who feel really cold due to the infection and feel that their noses are blocked. An added symptom is feeling a burning sensation. It may be true that most people who have upper respiratory tract infections experience two if not all three of these symptoms.

Infections such as these do involve a lot of sneezing in some cases. And this sneezing can be really annoying, not only for the person who experiences persistent sneezing multiple times a day but also for the people around him or her! In a situation like this one, the best medicine is none other than Merc sol! People with fevers and a recurrent thirst are the ones who need this medicine.

Sometimes, during weather changes or epidemics, the symptoms may be similar or may even overlap in patients. It is best to visit a homeopathic practitioner to get the right treatment at the right time.

Swine flu is a respiratory infection caused by a virus which usually infects pigs. The virus is highly contagious and can survive in the environment for days. It is not unusual for people to get the infection. Swine flu is transmitted from person to person by inhalation or ingestion of droplets containing virus from people sneezing or coughing; it is not transmitted by eating cooked pork products. The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of common flu-like fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

Recent years have witnessed the severity of acute respiratory infections. The main cause is exposure to more of respiratory Infection causing microorganisms. Everyone is at a high risk of exposure. The infections can affect all age groups equally. Therefore, you must know all about acute respiratory infections.

Acute respiratory infections may interfere in normal breathing. The infection often starts as a viral infection in the nose, trachea (windpipe) or in the lungs. In cases of non treatment, the infection spreads to the entire respiratory system. The infections are transmissible.

Causes:
There are many respiratory infections of which causes are unknown. However, a few known viral causes are as follows:

Adenoviruses: These viruses are known to have over 50 different types of viruses causing common cold, bronchitis as well as pneumonia.
Rhinoviruses: These viruses cause common cold. Those individuals, be it young or old, who have a weak immune system can have an acute respiratory infection.
Influenza virus: This is also known as Orthomyxovirus with six types of viruses, such as Type A, B and C, Isa Virus, Thogoto Virus and Coronavirus. Out of these, Type A is known to cause a severe disease.
Enterovirus: This virus is associated with several human and mammalian diseases, including acute respiratory infection.
Respiratory syncytial virus: This virus causes respiratory tract infections in the lower respiratory tract.
Bacterial causes are as follows:



Bacillus anthracis
Bordetella pertussis
Corynebacterium diphtheria
Pneumococcus: It is a cause of meningitis and Pneumonia.
Streptococcus pyogenes
Haemophilus influenzae
Symptoms:
Few of the prominent symptoms are as follows:

Itchy, watery eyes - Soreness behind eyes and often conjunctivitis
Nasal discharge and congestion
Sneezing
Having Sore throat
Coughing
Severe Headache
Fever
Malaise
Fatigue
Muscle pain
Diagnosis
The first thing that the doctor tends to check is the breathing pattern of the patient, followed by a number of checks:

Fluid and inflammation in the lungs
Nose and throat checks
X-ray or CT scan would be required to check the condition of the lungs in advanced cases
There could be complications such as respiratory failure, respiratory arrest or congestive heart failure

Treatment:
Ideally for viruses, there isn't any cure. Medications that are prescribed are for the symptoms.

Cautious use of antibiotics for the symptoms can reduce adverse effects as well as decrease costs. It will also reduce drug resistance.
A single oral dose of nasal decongestant used in common cold could be moderately effective to aid congestion in grown-ups for a short period.
Alternate medications, such as the use of vitamin C help in the inhibition and cure of upper respiratory infections.
Prevention:

Probiotics and vaccination are available for certain infections such as URTIs, Adenoviruses and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Best prevention is to boost your immune system.