Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Cita Sehat Foundation

What is it???

“Upper Respiratory
Tract” : several
mutually connected
anatomical structures
like nose, paranasal
sinuses, middle ear,
pharynx, larynx, and
proximal part of
trachea.
So the infection on
URT change quality
of inhaled air and
consequently, may
impair function of
tracheobronchial
tree and lung.
(Cited on:
https://www.atsu.edu/faculty/chamberlain/website/lectures/lectur
e/introurt.html)
 Fact about this disease
1. The most common infections in the
population.
2. Infection in one part usually attacks the
adjacent structures and may spread to the
tracheobronchial tree and lungs
3. Most of acute upper respiratory tract
infections are caused by viruses, that are
responsible for more than 80% of all common
colds. Bacterial pathogens are more
commonly causative agents of prolonged
and/or chronic infection adhering to primary
viral infections.
And the last….
4. Most of the upper respiratory infections are
self-limiting (i.e common cold), although
some of them may cause severe complications
(i.e epiglottitis).

(Cited on: Tatjana Peroš-Golubičić, Jasna Tekavec-Trkanjec,

Chapter 2)
 How can you get infected?
• The infection spreads from person-to-person,
when touching the secretions by hand or
directly by inhaling the respiratory droplets.
• Risk factors:
contact
smoking (second-hand smoke too!)
Sign and Symptoms
• For diagnostic, based
on recognition of
symptoms and
physical
examination.
• Most symptoms of
URTIs including local
swelling, redness,
secretions, and fever
The symptoms result from the work of immune
system to invading the virus/bacteria infection
and also from toxins produced by the
virus/bacteria.
 • Additional
diagnostic
procedure
should be
performed in
prolonged and
chronic course
Laryngoscopy on Epiglottitis case of infection.
(https://coreem.net/core/epiglottitis/)
 Example of Case: Common Cold
Also known as Acute Viral Rhinitis
Rhinitis means inflammation of the nasal
mucosa.

• Symptoms develop slowly over 2-4 days. May

present: sore throat, nasal congestion, runny
nose, cough, fatigue, muscle ache, watery
eyes.
• Self-care:
Rest
Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids
Gargle with salt water
Taking hot shower
 Simple
action like
gargling
can be
helpful in
oral care
• Medication:
The medication address to symptom-based
therapy, like:
Use saline nose drops to loosen mucus
Use antipyretic to reduce fever or discomfort
Use analgesics
• Caution if:
High-fever for more than 3 days
Symptoms last over 10 days and are getting
worse
Shortness of breath/wheezing
Pain/pressure in your chest
Very swollen glands in the neck or jaw
Significant sore throat lasting more than 1 week
 You can prevent the
disease to spread to
other persons by
wash hands
frequently and cover
coughs and sneezes
using the crook of
your elbow.

(Cited on: University Health

Center)
TERIMA KASIH