Acute Upper Respiratory Infections

Acute upper respiratory tract infections are short-term infections of the nose and throat caused by viruses or bacteria. Viruses, such as rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza viruses, cause most acute upper respiratory infections.

Most acute upper respiratory tract infections typically go away on their own in a few weeks, once the virus has run its course. Treatment can often take place at home and focuses on relieving symptoms.

The board-certified primary care providers at Beaufort Memorial can diagnose and treat acute upper respiratory tract infections. Find a primary care provider accepting new patients.

Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Types

Common types of acute upper respiratory tract infection include:

• Acute bronchitis: This infection causes swelling of the airways and mucus to accumulate in them.
• Common cold: These common infections, marked by a runny nose, sore throat, coughing and sneezing, typically last seven to 10 days.
• RSV: Adults can get RSV infections, but they often affect children before age 2. Symptoms mimic those of the common cold, but in very young children, the condition can be severe.

Risk Factors for Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Several factors can increase risk for a cold, one of the most common acute upper respiratory tract infections. These factors include:

• Age (infants, toddlers and children are more at risk)
• Exposure to someone with a cold
• Having a weakened immune system
• Time of year (fall and winter are peak seasons)

Close contact with an infected person is also a risk factor for acute bronchitis and RSV. Exposure to dust, tobacco smoke or airborne pollutants increases acute bronchitis risk. Babies younger than 6 months old, children who were born prematurely and have an underlying health condition or a weakened immune system, and adults who have immunodeficiency or a chronic health condition are at greater risk for RSV.

Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms in Children and Adults

Acute upper respiratory tract infections can cause a variety of symptoms in children and adults, including:

• Chest or nasal congestion
• Coughing with or without mucus
• Fever
• General achiness
• Headache
• Runny nose
• Shortness of breath
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Wheezing

Treatments for Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Many acute upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses. Antibiotics, which treat bacterial infections, have no effect on viral infections. Often, treating a virus focuses on relieving symptoms.

An acute upper respiratory tract viral infection is likely to clear up on its own in seven to 10 days. To relieve symptoms and help the immune system fight the virus, it’s important to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, which can cause dehydration and make nasal congestion difficult to clear.

Over-the-counter medications may help relieve body aches, congestion and other symptoms, but it’s important to consult a medical provider to ensure the ingredients are safe for children and adults with certain chronic conditions.

See a medical provider if symptoms don’t improve within two weeks, or if new or flu-like symptoms develop.