Medically reviewed by Amir Zegar, DO
At one time or another in your life, you have probably suffered from an upper respiratory infection. These types of infections are one of the most common reasons that send patients to our emergency room.
Especially, during peak seasons like winter or fall, we always see an influx in the number of people who visit our 24-hour emergency room, exhibiting symptoms that often indicate an upper respiratory tract infection.
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections In a Nutshell
Typically, your upper respiratory tract, which includes the throat, nasal passage, pharynx, sinuses, larynx, and trachea, are going to have some sort of symptoms when you have an infection. Often due to the upper respiratory tract being susceptible to several common bacterial and viral infections.
Upper respiratory tract infections can elicit different symptoms based on the region of the upper respiratory tract infected. There are also several forms of upper respiratory tract infections outlined below.
Some of the known viruses and bacteria that upper respiratory tract infections are:
- Adenovirus
- Rhinovirus
- Parainfluenza virus
- Respiratory syncytial virus
- Metapneumovirus
- Streptococcus bacteria
- Diphtheria bacteria
- Gonorrhea
- Chlamydia
Upper respiratory tract infections can be airborne, spread through contact, sneezing, and coughing. This makes these types of infections highly contagious if an outbreak begins.
Forms of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
The Common Cold
The common cold is the most obvious and known type of upper respiratory tract infection. This is a viral infection, which attacks the entire upper respiratory tract. The rhinovirus is another that causes colds. They can also be linked to viruses such as influenza and coronavirus.
These viruses attack the upper respiratory tract triggering an immune responses that causes symptoms resembling the common cold like:
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Runny nose
- Blocked nose
Laryngitis
This is a viral infection that leads to the inflammation of the larynx or voice box. It often gets confused with a sore throat; but it is actually very different with the following symptoms:
- a sore throat
- you may lose your voice
- swollen glands
- the urge to always clear your throat
- hoarse voice
- dry cough
- dry throat
Pharyngitis
This is what the medical industry calls a sore throat, which is caused by a pharynx’s inflammation. It is often due to bacteria called streptococcus, which can also cause tonsillitis and strep throat. It can also be caused by a viral infection, with the following symptoms:
- a sore and dry throat
- fatigue
- fever
- headache
- chills
- running nose
- sneezing
- cough
- body aches
- a feeling of malaise
- swollen lymph nodes
- difficulties swallowing
Sinusitis
This is an infection that occurs when the paranasal sinuses become inflamed. Sinusitis occurs when mucus accumulates within the sinuses after they become inflamed. These are the symptoms that you might experience:
- headaches
- nasal congestion
- running nose
- cough
- facial pain and pressure
- loss of smell and taste
- foul breath
- fatigue
- nasal discharge
- fever
Epiglottitis
This form of infection occurs when the epiglottitis becomes inflamed. If it is not treated, the epiglottis can get infected, then swollen, which can cause it to obstruct your airways. This is why it is viewed as a life-threatening condition and requires immediate medical attention.
If you or your loved one suffers from this infection, you need to rush to our walk-in-clinic for immediate medical attention and prevent future complications. Be on the look-out for the following symptoms:
- a high-grade fever
- sore throat
- difficulties swallowing
- a hoarse voice
- drooling
- difficulties breathing
- a high pitched sound when inhaling
Rhinitis
This is an infection that occurs when the nasal passages become inflamed. Rhinitis can either be caused by an allergic or non-allergic agent. The allergic form of rhinitis is commonly referred to as hay fever. Some of the symptoms that you might experience are as follows:
- sneezing
- nasal congestion
- itchy and watery eyes
- running nose
- postnasal drip
- coughing
- hives
- headaches
- fatigue
- sore throat
When Should You Seek Medical Attention?
The intensity of your upper respiratory tract infection will determine whether you need to seek immediate medical attention at our emergency room near you. If your symptoms persist or are getting worse by the day, it is wise to seek immediate medical attention.
You should contact our 24- hour emergency room if you experience the following symptoms while having an Upper respiratory tract infection:
- A persistent high fever
- Difficulties breathing
- Blue skin or lips
- If your symptoms persist for more than two weeks
- Difficulties swallowing
- Persistent sore throat
Contact us at Memorial Village ER for efficient diagnosis and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections.