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An upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is an illness caused by an acute infection, which involves the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx or trachea. [ 3 ] [ 4 ] This commonly includes nasal obstruction, sore throat, tonsillitis , pharyngitis , laryngitis , sinusitis , otitis media , and the common cold .
An infection of this type usually is further classified as an upper respiratory tract infection (URI or URTI) or a lower respiratory tract infection (LRI or LRTI). Lower respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, tend to be far more severe than upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold.
The distinction between viral upper respiratory tract infections is loosely based on the location of symptoms, with the common cold affecting primarily the nose (rhinitis), throat (pharyngitis), and lungs (bronchitis). [8] There can be significant overlap, and more than one area can be affected. [8] Self-diagnosis is frequent. [4]
Pharyngitis is a type of upper respiratory tract infection. [7] Most cases are caused by a viral infection. [2] Strep throat, a bacterial infection, is the cause in about 25% of children and 10% of adults. [2] Uncommon causes include other bacteria such as gonococcus, fungi, irritants such as smoke, allergies, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Pneumonia frequently starts as an upper respiratory tract infection that moves into the lower respiratory tract. [55] It is a type of pneumonitis (lung inflammation). [56] The normal flora of the upper airway give protection by competing with pathogens for nutrients.
Croup (/ k r uː p / KROOP), also known as croupy cough, is a type of respiratory infection that is usually caused by a virus. [2] The infection leads to swelling inside the trachea, which interferes with normal breathing and produces the classic symptoms of "barking/brassy" cough, inspiratory stridor and a hoarse voice. [2]
One of the most common causes is Staphylococcus aureus and often follows a recent viral upper respiratory infection. Bacterial tracheitis is a rare complication of influenza infection. [ 4 ] It is the most serious in young children, possibly because of the relatively small size of the trachea that gets easily blocked by swelling.
A macrolide can be added to metronidazole in treating upper respiratory infections to cover S. aureus and aerobic streptococci. Penicillin can be added to clindamycin to supplement its coverage against Peptostreptococcus spp. and other Gram-positive anaerobic organisms. [53]