Upper respiratory infections are more common during the fall and winter. This may be due colder weather and lower humidity levels. Viruses are more active during these times of low humidity. People are also more susceptible during these types of weather conditions. The best course of prevention is to wash your hands frequently and get your flu shot. This is by no means a fail safe. If you are experiencing an upper respiratory infection, the best treatment is to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.
The term upper respiratory infection refers to an infection of your upper respiratory tract. This includes your nasal passages, sinuses, and upper airways. The symptoms are usually short lived. The typical length of infection is around fourteen days. This is because the main cause of upper respiratory infections is viral in nature. However, prolonged illness may be cause to seek medical attention. Secondary infections caused by bacteria can lead to a more protracted illness of greater than two weeks. Children and the elderly are also at greater risk for complications. Medical intervention may become necessary for these groups of people. Here are some of the signs and symptoms that you may experience during an upper respiratory infection.
1. Nasal Congestion
The first few days of an upper respiratory infection generally involve nasal congestion. You may have an overall stuffy feeling or it can be more painful. Swelling in the nasal passages causes this stuffy feeling. Your sinuses are irritated by the infection. This can lead to trouble breathing. You can use a nasal strip in order to open up the nasal passages. This may help you to get some much needed rest. Congestion that is painful is due to the buildup of mucus in the sinus cavities. This condition can typically be relieved by using a decongestant.
It isn’t recommended to give young children cold medication. There are natural remedies that you can try for your kids. You can use a humidifier to help with reducing this congestion. Other solutions are to clear out the sinuses with a saline spray. It may even be helpful to sleep propped up on a pillow. This may relieve some of the discomfit associated with nasal congestion. For severe pain, using a pain reliever may be beneficial for kids. This congestion can be brief or may last a few days before the sinuses start to release the mucus. This leads into the next sign of an upper respiratory infection.
2. Runny Nose
One of the most common signs of an upper respiratory infection is a runny nose. This excess drainage of mucus is a result of your immune system fighting the infection. In the beginning of the infection, the mucus tends to be thin and clear. After two to three days, it can turn thick and yellow or green. The color is due to the immune fighting cells called neutrophils dying off. Your body is attempting to rid itself of this debris. This is not a cause for concern. If the mucus persists for several days, you may need to seek medical attention. Having a runny nose leads into nasal discharge.
3. Nasal Discharge
The term nasal discharge refers to mucus that comes out of your nose. It can also run down your throat. It is sometimes referred to as post-nasal drip. Mucus is your body’s way of trapping viruses and bacteria and expelling them from your body. This annoying symptom serves a useful purpose. Nasal discharge should only last a few days during an upper respiratory infection. Discharge that lasts more than two weeks may be signs of a more serious condition. Medical attention may be needed. Your doctor may need to prescribe a course of antibiotics. You may have developed a secondary infection such as a sinus infection. As the infection lessens, you should be able to breathe more through your nose.
4. Nasal Breathing
It is more beneficial to breathe through your nose than your mouth. Your nose acts as a natural filter for your lungs. The nose hair traps dust, bacteria, and viruses to prevent you from getting sick. An upper respiratory infection may make it more difficult to breathe through your nose. You can practice nasal breathing by clearing out the nasal passages. You can also use a nasal strip to allow for more air flow. This can help to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with an infection. You may experience less throat irritation if you are able to breathe through your nose. Sneezing can also help you to breathe better through your nose.
5. Sneezing
The act of sneezing involves a sudden expulsion of air from your nose and mouth. It isn’t an indicative symptom of an illness. A sneeze is your body’s way of clearing out particles that are irritating. When associated with an upper respiratory infection, it is another way for your body to attempt to dislodge built up mucus. A sneeze tends to ease your nasal congestion and will promote more nasal discharge. Sneezing may intensify over the first two to three days of the infection. This symptom should lessen with the progression of the illness. Severe sneezing may cause your throat to feel sore.
6. Sore Throat
A sore throat is common for upper respiratory infections. The throat becomes irritated and can become red and inflamed. A severe sore throat that is associated with pustules should warrant immediate medical attention. These pustules may be a sign of a more serious condition such as strep throat. This will require antibiotics in order to clear. Gargling salt water and drinking warm beverages may help to alleviate some of the discomfit associated with a sore throat. You can also use different types of medicated drops until the symptoms have passed. You may even experience painful swallowing as a result of a persistent sore throat.
7. Painful Swallowing
Painful swallowing can be indicative of other conditions. If this symptom is experienced without the presence of other symptoms, you need to talk to your doctor. An upper respiratory infection is only one of the possible causes for pain when swallowing. You may experience a heavy feeling in your throat upon swallowing. This may be due to the mucus buildup associated with the upper respiratory infection. This symptom should only last for the first few days of the infection. It should lessen as the illness progresses. This is caused by your throat being inflamed. If the pain persists beyond the course of the infection, seek medical attention. The most common cause of pain upon swallowing is excessive coughing.
8. Cough
For the common cold, you may experience a dry hacking cough. The flu typically has a cough that will get progressively worse throughout the illness. This can lead to secondary infections of the lungs. Bronchitis and pneumonia are common complications of the flu. It is important for those that are at risk to get their flu shot every year. It will offer them some protection against these potentially life threatening complications. Depending on the type of upper respiratory infection, the cough may last a few days to a few weeks. If your symptoms persist for more than three weeks, talk to your doctor.
