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Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

Jamie Shayna Chan, DO and Manju Mahajan, MD, FAAFP Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

  • Upper respiratory infections (URI) are inflammation and irritation of the upper airways.

  • A common diagnosis that is self-limited, typically caused by viruses or bacteria.

  • This review focuses on v...

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis is clinical based on reported symptoms and physical exam. 

HISTORY

  • Nasal congestion: 80–100%

  • Sneezing: 50–70%

  • Throat irritation: 50%

  • Cough: 40%

  • Hoarseness: 30%

  • Malaise: 20–25%

  • Headache: 25...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Smoking cessation

  • Vaporizer/humidifier: no consistent benefit proven

  • Cold preparations do not change course

  • Antibiotics are not indicated

  • Avoid cough and cold preparations in chi...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Contact a physician’s office for prolonged fever, difficulty breathing, or concern for secondary complications. 

DIET

Encourage fluids and adequate hydration. 

PATIENT EDUCATION

REFERENCES

1
Asadi S, Cappa CD, Barreda S, et al. Efficacy of masks and face coverings in controlling outward aerosol particle emission from expiratory activities. Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):1–13.

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Kaur R, Schulz S, Fuji N, et al. COVID-19 pandemic impact on respiratory infectious diseases in primary care practice in Children. Front Pediatr. 2021;13;9:7224...

SEE ALSO

Bronchitis, Acute; Pharyngitis; Rhinitis, Allergic 

CODES

ICD10

  • J06.9 Acute upper respiratory infection, unspecified

  • J11.1 Influenza due to unidentified influenza virus with other respiratory manifestations

  • B97.4 Respiratory syncytial virus causing diseas...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Supportive therapy is mainstay for most upper respiratory tract infections.

  • Point of care testing can rule out group A Streptococcus infection in the appropriate clinical setting.

  • Limit ...

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