Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (Uri)
Description
A viral infection of the upper airway that usually lasts 2-4 days. Patients experience low grade fevers, runny nose and a dry cough. There are many viruses that cause this infection and they are contagious.
Symptoms
Symptoms tend to start with a runny nose and sore throat followed by a cough. The cough produces a white clear sputum. The mucous from the runny nose (rhinnorrhea) is clear. Fever is present although not as high as with other viral illnesses such as the flu. Muscle aches (myalgias) and headache are common. The headache tends to be mild to moderate in severity.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Occasionally a chest X-ray may be done to rule out a pneumonia.
- X-Ray
Treatment
Antibiotics are of no use. Patients are treated for their symptoms with: acetaminophen (Tylenol), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), cough medicine, and decongestants.
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