8 Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Infection

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.Next