The most common cause of upper respiratory tract infections are viruses such as:
- rhinoviruses,
- influenza and parainfluenza viruses,
- coronaviruses,
- adenoviruses.
Less commonly, these infections are caused by bacteria, such as Streptococcus pyogenes, which can cause strep throat. Microorganisms are transmitted through droplets, which is why infection can easily occur in public places, at work or at school.
Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection
Depending on the type of infection, the following symptoms may appear:
- runny nose and stuffy nose,
- sore throat,
- cough (dry or wet),
- hoarseness,
- increased body temperature,
- muscle and joint pain,
- feeling of general weakness.
In the case of a bacterial infection, symptoms may be more severe and last longer. Typical symptoms of angina include severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing and high fever.
Treatment and prevention
Most viral infections go away on their own after a few days. Treatment mainly consists of alleviating symptoms:
- rest and proper hydration of the body,
- antipyretics and painkillers (e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen),
- inhalations and rinses that moisturize the mucous membrane,
- using nasal drops in case of sinus congestion,
- indoor air humidification.
If the infection is bacterial, your doctor may recommend antibiotic treatment. However, you should not use antibiotics on your own, as they are only effective in treating bacterial infections.
To reduce the risk of illness, it is worth taking care of the body’s immunity through a healthy diet, regular physical activity and avoiding stress. Flu vaccinations and good hygiene, especially frequent hand washing, also help prevent infections.
When should you see an ENT specialist?
A visit to an ENT specialist is recommended if:
- symptoms persist for more than 10 days,
- a high fever and severe sore throat appear,
- infections recur regularly,
- complications occur, such as sinusitis or middle ear infection.
A specialist can perform a thorough examination, recommend appropriate treatment, and check for other conditions that contribute to frequent infections.
Summary
Upper respiratory tract infections are common but mostly harmless. Appropriate prevention and symptomatic treatment allow for a quick return to health. If symptoms persist or become severe, it is worth consulting a doctor to avoid complications and select effective treatment methods.
