Respiratory Tract Infection

Respiratory tract infection (RTI) is infection of upper (rhinitis/pharyngitis/sinusitis/tonsillitis) or lower (bronchitis/pneumonia/bronchiolitis) tract, usually viral, presenting with cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, fever, sputum, and dyspnea. Treatment: supportive care (rest/hydration/analgesics); antibiotics only if bacterial (pneumonia/strep throat/sinusitis); antivirals for influenza/COVID; bronchodilators for wheeze; treat symptoms; vaccines (flu/pneumococcal/COVID); hand hygiene; smoking cessation.

Common Symptoms

Cough/nasal congestion/sore throat; fever/sputum; by URI/LRI/viral/bacterial

Causes and Pathogenesis

Viral/bacterial infection invades upper/lower respiratory mucosa, causing inflammation.

Treatment

Supportive; antibiotics/antivirals if indicated; bronchodilators; vaccines; hand hygiene

Preventive Measures

Vaccines; hand hygiene; avoid sick contacts; smoking cessation.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the General-practice/Pulmonology/Infectious-disease department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.