Upper respiratory tract infection history and symptoms

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

History and Symptoms

Acute upper respiratory tract infections include rhinosinusitis (common cold), sinusitis, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, laryngitis and sometimes bronchitis. Symptoms of URI's commonly include congestion, cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, facial pressure and sneezing. Onset of the symptoms usually begins after 1-3 days after exposure to a microbial pathogen, most commonly a virus. The duration of the symptoms is typically 7 to 10 days but may persist longer.

It is important to mention that up to 15% of acute pharyngitis cases may be caused by bacteria, commonly Group A Strep ("Strep Throat"). Generally, patients with "Strep Throat" start with a sore throat as their first symptom and usually do not have a runny nose, cough, or sneezing.

Pain and pressure of the ear caused by a middle ear infection (otitis media) and the reddening of the eye caused by viral conjunctivitis are often associated with upper respiratory infections.

Influenza (the flu) is a more systemic illness, which can also involve the upper respiratory tract, should be recognized as distinct from other causes of URI.

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Nasal discharge
• Nasal congestion
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Headache
• Fever
• Malaise
• Fatigue, weakness
• Muscle pain