Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Most respiratory infections are caused by viral infections, and usually soon go. This leaflet gives some tips on what to do, and what symptoms to look out for which may indicate a more serious illness.

What is an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI)?

Infections of the throat (larynx), or the main airway (trachea), or the airways going into the lungs (bronchi) are common. These infections are sometimes called laryngitis, tracheitis, or bronchitis. 
Doctors often just use the term URTI - upper respiratory tract infection - to include any, or all, of these infections. Most URTIs are due to a viral infection.

What are the symptoms of a URTI?

Cough is usually the main symptom. Other symptoms include fever, headache, aches and pains. Cold symptoms may occur if the infection also affects the nose. Symptoms typically peak after 2-3 days, and then gradually clear.

However, the cough may persist after the infection has gone. This is because inflammation in the airways caused by the infection can take a while to settle. It may take 2-3 weeks after other symptoms have gone for a cough to clear completely.

What is the treatment for an URTI?

• Take paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin to reduce fever (high temperature), and to ease any aches, pains and headaches. (Children under 16 should not take aspirin.)

• Have lots to drink if you have a fever, to prevent mild dehydration.

• There is no 'quick fix' for the cough. You need to be patient until it goes. Cough medicines that you can buy may help, but there is little scientific evidence that they ease a cough. They often contain several ingredients. For example, some contain decongestants, which may relieve a bunged-up nose. Some contain paracetamol, so be careful that you do not take these in addition to paracetamol tablets. Some ingredients can make you drowsy, which may help you to sleep. Ask a pharmacist for advice.

• Antibiotics are not usually advised if you are normally in good health. Your immune system can usually clear the infection. Antibiotics do not kill viruses. Even if a bacterium is the cause, antibiotics usually do little to speed up recovery of a URTI. Antibiotics may even make symptoms worse as some people develop side-effects such as diarrhoea, feeling sick and rashes. Antibiotics may be prescribed if you become more unwell, or if you already have an ongoing (chronic) lung disease. They may also be prescribed if a complication develops such as pneumonia - but this is unlikely to occur if you are otherwise healthy.

What symptoms should I look out for?

Most URTIs clear without complications. Occasionally the infection travels to the lung tissue to cause pneumonia. Consult a doctor if any of the following occur.

• 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 persists longer than 3-4 weeks.

• If you have recurring bouts of URTI.

• If any other symptom develops that you are concerned about.