![]() Most infections resolve on their own within two weeks, although sinusitis may last longer. ![]() Similar to lower respiratory infections, most upper respiratory tract infections can be treated at home by getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of water, and taking over-the-counter medications to reduce symptoms. The signs of a upper respiratory tract infection will vary based on what type of condition is present, but a few hallmark URI symptoms include: These infections are incredibly widespread-in fact, the common cold is to blame for most routine doctor visits in the United States. Upper respiratory tract infections are caused by several types of viruses and bacteria that can travel through respiratory droplets or physical contact. Types of upper respiratory infections include:ĬOVID-19 can impact both the lower and upper respiratory tracts, although COVID-19 typically begins in the upper respiratory tract and may spread to the lower. Understanding Upper Respiratory Tract InfectionsĪs you may have guessed, upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) are infections that impact the upper respiratory tract, which includes the nose, mouth, throat, and voice box. It is caused by smoking tobacco in most cases, although long-term exposure to air pollution, certain chemicals, and secondhand smoke may also contribute to chronic bronchitis. While acute bronchitis is a contagious short-term infection, chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition that falls under the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) umbrella. Individuals with symptoms that remain or worsen after three weeks should be evaluated by a medical professional. It’s also important to avoid smoking and exposure to airborne irritants while recovering from bronchitis. Bacterial bronchitis may be treated with antibiotics. Treatment for acute bronchitis often involves plenty of rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications to help control symptoms. Symptoms of acute bronchitis typically last for 10 to 14 days, although some symptoms may linger for up to three weeks. Chest soreness, especially when coughing.Frequent coughing, with or without mucus. ![]() Some of the most common symptoms of acute bronchitis include: It is usually caused by a virus, although bacteria may also lead to bronchitis. Other lower respiratory tract infections include pneumonia, tuberculosis, and bronchiolitis.Īcute (short-term) bronchitis occurs when the bronchioles become inflamed and produce too much mucus. So, bronchitis is considered a lower respiratory infection-or an infection that impacts the lungs or structures below the voice box (larynx). Rather, it affects the air-transporting tubes of the lungs (bronchioles), which are a part of the lower respiratory tract. ![]() The Basics of Bronchitisīronchitis (chest cold) is not an upper respiratory tract infection. To help clear up the confusion, let’s take a closer look at bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infections, and what sets them apart. Do you know the difference between bronchitis and an upper respiratory tract infection (URI) ? With all the medical jargon and complex terminology out there, it’s easy to get mixed up about these common respiratory conditions - and the arrival ofĬOVID-19 certainly hasn’t helped to simplify things.
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