Upper Respiratory Tract Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Upper Respiratory Tract?
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) is a type of infection that affects the upper part of the respiratory system. The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, throat, and sinuses, which are all areas that can be vulnerable to infection. Common symptoms of URTI include coughing, sore throat, fever, runny nose and congestion.Most cases of URTI are caused by viruses such as the common cold or influenza viruses. However, bacterial infections can also occur in some cases. These types of infections may cause more severe symptoms such as chest pain and difficulty breathing. Fortunately, most URTI can be treated with rest and over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for fever relief and cough suppressants for cough relief. Nasal decongestants may also be helpful in relieving nasal congestion. In more serious cases where bacterial infections are suspected antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor to help clear up the infection quickly and effectively. In addition to medical treatments there are several home remedies that can help you manage symptoms related to URTI such as drinking plenty of fluids like water or warm tea with honey; inhaling steam from a hot shower; avoiding exposure to environmental irritants like pollen or smoke; gargling salt water; using saline drops in your nose; getting plenty of rest; eating light meals with vegetables high in vitamin C content like broccoli or kale; drinking warm herbal tea’s made from ginger root or lemon balm leaves; using eucalyptus oil for aromatherapy during steamy showers; or using a humidifier in your bedroom at night time when sleeping. Overall it is important if you think you have an Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI) to consult your healthcare provider if symptoms persist longer than expected after trying home remedies alone so they can determine the best course of treatment for you depending on what type of infection it is caused by.