Respiratory Tract Infection
Respiratory tract infections are infections that affect the respiratory tract, from the nose and throat to the lungs and bronchi. They are divided into upper respiratory tract infections (common cold, sore throat, sinusitis) and lower respiratory tract infections (bronchitis, pneumonia). Most respiratory tract infections are caused by viruses and resolve on their own, but some may require medical treatment.
Respiratory tract infections are particularly common in the autumn and winter months and are spread through droplet transmission. Good hand hygiene and keeping a distance from sick people are the most important preventive measures.
Symptoms
- Cough (dry or with phlegm)
- Sore throat and pharyngeal pain
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Fever and chills
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Chest pain when coughing (with bronchitis)
- Fatigue and muscle aches
When should you contact a doctor?
- Cough lasting more than three weeks
- High fever lasting more than three days
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Chest pain
- Cough with blood-tinged phlegm
- You belong to a risk group (elderly, chronically ill, pregnant)
- Symptoms worsen after initial improvement
Treatment
Viral respiratory tract infections are treated with symptom-relieving measures such as rest, plenty of fluids, fever-reducing, and cough-suppressing medications. Bacterial infections such as streptococcal sore throat or pneumonia require antibiotics. A doctor at Eyr can listen to your symptoms, assess whether antibiotic treatment is needed, and prescribe the necessary medication.
