Upper respiratory tract infection history and symptoms

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

Overview

Upper respiratory infections, commonly referred to the acronym URI or URTI, is the illness caused by an acute infection which involves the upper respiratory tract: nose, sinuses, pharynx or larynx. In the United States, this represents approximately one billion acute upper respiratory illnesses annually.

History and symptoms

Acute upper respiratory tract infections includes rhinosinusitis (common cold), sinusitis, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, laryngitis and sometimes bronchitis. Symptoms of URI's commonly include congestion, cough, running 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 runny nose or cough or sneezing.

Pain and pressure of the ear caused by a middle ear infection (Otitis media) and the reddening of they 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

References

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