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URTIs
81 UPPER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are any infection of the sinuses, throat, airways or lungs. They’re usually caused by viruses, but can be caused by bacteria. RTIs are one of the main reasons why people visit the Pharmacy. The common cold is the most widespread RTI.
There is a distinction between the two types: • upper respiratory tract infections – which affect the nose, sinuses and throat • lower respiratory tract infections – which affect the airways and lungs Children tend to get more upper RTIs than adults because they haven’t built up immunity to the many viruses that can cause these infections.
How respiratory infections spread
RTIs can spread in several ways. When a person has an infection such as a cold, tiny droplets of fluid containing the cold virus are launched into the air whenever they sneeze or cough. If these are breathed in by someone else, they may also become infected. Infections can also be spread through indirect contact. For example, if someone has a cold and they touch their nose or eyes before touching an object or surface, the virus may be passed to someone else when they touch that object or surface. The best way to prevent spreading infections is to practise good hygiene, such as regularly washing their hands with soap and warm water.
Upper respiratory tract infections
Common upper respiratory tract infections include:
• the common cold • tonsillitis • sinusitis • laryngitis • flu
A cough is the most common symptom of an upper RTI. Other symptoms include headaches, a stuffy or runny nose, a sore throat, sneezing and muscle aches.
Lower respiratory tract infections
Common lower RTIs include:
• flu – which can affect either the upper or lower respiratory tract • bronchitis As with upper RTIs, the main symptom of a lower RTI is a cough. However, it’s usually more severe and phlegm and mucus may be brought up. Other possible symptoms are a tight feeling in the chest, an increased rate of breathing, breathlessness and wheezing.
Self-Care for Symptoms
Most RTIs pass without the need for treatment and won’t usually need to be seen by a GP. You can encourage people to treat their symptoms at home by taking over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, drinking plenty of fluids and resting. In most cases, antibiotics aren’t recommended because they’re only effective if the infection is caused by bacteria. The symptoms of an upper RTI usually pass within one to two weeks.
When to Refer
• The symptoms suggest they may have pneumonia – for example, if they are coughing up bloody mucus and phlegm • They have a pre-existing heart, lung, liver or kidney condition • They have a long-term lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma • They have a condition that affects the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis • They have cystic fibrosis or bronchiectasis • They have a weakened immune system • They have a cough which has persisted for more than three weeks
• They are losing weight, • They have chest pain • If there are any lumps in their neck It’s also recommended that people visit their GP if they are over 65 years of age and they have a cough and two or more of the factors listed below, or they are over 80 years of age and have a cough and one of the following factors: • Have been admitted to hospital at some point during the past year • They have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes • They have a history of heart failure • They are currently taking a type of steroid medication known as oral glucocorticoids – for example, prednisolone.
WWho? Anyone - Children tend to get more upper RTIs than adults
WWhat are the symptoms? A cough is the most common symptom of an
HHow long have they had they symptoms? The symptoms of an upper
RTI usually pass within one to two weeks
AAction already taken? People may have tried to manage their symptoms
MMedication? Elderly people who are taking oral glucocorticoids – for
