Question

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection &  Foods To Eat And Avoid In Case Of Cough

Dr.Prasanna Datta · Accepted Answer

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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