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HOME / HEALTH ADVICE / UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION

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Common coldUpper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI)

The respiratory tract is the system that allows you to breathe air in and out of your lungs, and the upper respiratory tract includes the nose, throat, larynx, and trachea (windpipe), whereas the lower respiratory tract includes the bronchi (the tubes that the trachea divides into to connect to the lungs), and bronchioles and alveoli (the small air tubes and sacs in the lungs)

URTIs are usually caused by viruses such as the common cold, tonsillitis, sore throat, sinusitis, laryngitis and croup. Lower respiratory tract infections are more serious and include bronchitis and pneumonia

A cough is the main symptom of an URTI, and this can take up to 4 weeks to completely go (see our leaflet on Coughs for useful advice on managing coughs). Other symptoms vary depending on the cause of the infection, but may include; blocked nose, aches and pains, fever

Treatment:

  • you should take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and fever
  • sucking boiled sweets will help produce extra saliva which will lubricate your throat
  • you may find cough medicine useful, for example expectorants to loosen phlegm, and suppressants to reduce the cough reflex. If you decide to use cough medicine, you should not use it for longer than 2 weeks, and you must follow the instructions and dosage carefully
  • if you have a fever drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration (ice-cold drinks will be soothing)
  • if you smoke stop - at least until your symptoms have resolved

Your doctor will not generally prescribe antibiotics if you are normally in good health, as your immune system can usually clear the infection, however if the following symptoms occur you should see a doctor:

  • if fever, wheezing or headaches become worse or severe
  • if you develop fast breathing, shortness of breath, chest pains, or if you cough up blood
  • if you become drowsy or confused
  • if a cough is not starting to get better after 3 to 4 weeks
  • if you regularly get URTIs
  • if any other symptom develops that you are concerned about

Source: LSMP
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Last revision: April 2011