Upper respiratory tract infection, which sounds familiar and unfamiliar, is actually the scientific name of the “common cold” which is very common in our daily life. It is like an unexpected small battle, quietly invading our lives, but in most cases, it is repelled by our body’s immune system. Today, let’s take a closer look at the subtle battle that takes place in the nasal cavity, pharynx and larynx-upper respiratory tract infection.
1. Upper respiratory tract infection: Definition and scope Upper respiratory tract infection refers to a group of diseases affecting the nasal, pharyngeal and laryngeal mucosa. These infections are usually caused by viruses, but bacteria, fungi and even allergic reactions can also be triggers. Symptoms range from mild nasal congestion and cough to severe sore throat and fever. Because of its high incidence, upper respiratory tract infection has become one of the most common health problems worldwide, especially when the season changes and the temperature fluctuates greatly.
Two, the cause of the disease: the battle between virus and bacteria in the battlefield of upper respiratory tract infection, the virus is the main “enemy”. According to statistics, about 70% -80% of upper respiratory tract infections are caused by viruses, of which rhinovirus, coronavirus, influenza virus and adenovirus are the most common “aggressors”. They are transmitted through the air, such as droplets released by coughing and sneezing, or by touching the mouth, nose and eyes after direct contact with the surface of pollutants. In contrast, bacterial infections account for 20% to 30% of upper respiratory tract infections and are often secondary to viral infections or more common in people with weakened immune systems.
3. Symptoms: Diversified physical reactions The symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection are diverse and vary from person to person. The most common include: nasal congestion and runny nose: Viruses or bacteria irritate the nasal mucosa, resulting in increased secretion and nasal congestion and runny nose. Sore throat: Inflammation of the throat causes pain and difficulty in swallowing. Cough: The body protects itself by responding to a cough in order to remove a foreign body from the respiratory tract. Fever: a rise in body temperature is the body’s natural response to infection and helps speed up the activity of immune cells. Headache and muscle soreness: Viral infections may trigger a systemic inflammatory response that causes these symptoms. Hoarseness: Inflammation of the larynx affects the vibration of the vocal cords, causing changes in the voice.
4. Treatment strategy: Scientific response and rational use of drugs in the face of upper respiratory tract infection, the key to treatment is to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and wait for the body to recover naturally. Specific measures include: adequate rest: ensure adequate sleep, reduce physical exertion, help the immune system to recover. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep the respiratory tract moist and promote sputum discharge. Medication: For severe symptoms, such as high fever and severe cough, antipyretic analgesics and cough suppressants can be used under the guidance of doctors. Note that antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral infections, and abuse of antibiotics may lead to resistance problems. Symptomatic treatment: such as the use of normal saline to clean nasal cavity to relieve nasal congestion; gargle with warm saline to relieve sore throat.
5. Prevention: Small details in life The key to preventing upper respiratory tract infection lies in the management of details in daily life: Personal hygiene: Wash hands frequently, especially after public places; avoid touching mouth, nose and eyes with hands; cover coughing or sneezing with paper towels or elbows. Eat a balanced diet: eat foods rich in vitamin C and zinc to enhance immunity. Moderate exercise: Regular exercise to improve the body’s resistance. Get enough sleep: Get 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night. Vaccination: For specific viruses such as influenza, vaccination can effectively prevent them.
Although
upper respiratory tract infection is common and not serious in most cases, it reminds us that healthy living habits and scientific knowledge of disease prevention are essential to maintain health. In this protracted war with microorganisms, understanding the enemy and dealing with it reasonably are the self-protection that each of us can do. Let’s start from our daily life and build a solid health defense line for ourselves and our families with knowledge and action.
