Do you need antibiotics for upper respiratory infections?

Upper Respiratory Tact Insurance, known as URTI, is a common type of disease in our daily lives, often manifested in cough, throat pain, flu, nasal plugs, etc. Depending on the cause of the disease, it can be caused by microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria, most of which are caused by viruses. Nevertheless, many patients are feeling untimely and would like to use antibiotics to accelerate recovery. However, the use of antibiotics is not applicable to all upper respiratory infections, and the misuse of antibiotics can cause unnecessary side effects and even exacerbate the problem of antibiotic resistance. So, do we need antibiotics for upper respiratory infections? This paper will explore the causes of the disease, the effects of antibiotics, and rational use. I. Common causes of upper respiratory infections: The causes of upper respiratory infections are diverse and can generally be grouped into viral and bacteriological categories. 1. Virusal upper respiratory infections: The virus is the most common cause of upper respiratory infections. About 90 per cent of upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses, the main ones being nose viruses, influenza viruses, coronary viruses, gland viruses, etc. These viruses are transmitted through the air and usually cause symptoms such as throat pain, cough, flu, nose plugs and sneezing. Most viral respiratory infections are mild and are self-mitigated within 1-2 weeks. Bacteria-related respiratory infections: In contrast, bacteria-induced upper respiratory infections are less common, accounting for about 5-10 per cent of all upper respiratory infections. Common pathogenic bacteria include streptococcus (e.g. septic streptococcus-induced oscillosis), pneumococcus, etc. Symptoms of bacterial infections, such as persistent high fever, severe throat pains, sepsis, etc. Except for viruses and bacteria, fungi infections and allergies can cause similar symptoms, but these are rare. II. The role of antibiotics and their limitations: antibiotics are a class of drugs used to treat bacterial infections that can mitigate the symptoms of infection by killing or inhibiting bacterial growth. However, antibiotics have no effect on viral diseases. Because viruses and bacteria are completely different microorganisms, antibiotics cannot identify or eliminate viruses. Thus, in the face of viral respiratory infections, the use of antibiotics is not only ineffective but may result in a series of unnecessary side effects, such as allergies, intestinal strains, etc. Antibiotics are effective for bacterial infections and are effective in controlling conditions and preventing the spread of infection. Therefore, in determining the need for antibiotics, it is of the utmost importance to determine the cause of infection. III. How is the need for antibiotics judged? The assessment of the need for antibiotics usually requires a combination of clinical symptoms, signs and necessary tests. (b) Virus infections: viral respiratory infections are usually less symptoms and are not accompanied by high fever or severe sepsis. Symptoms are mostly flu, cough, nose plugs, etc., lasting about a week and, in most cases, self-healing. Bacteria: If the symptoms are more severe, such as high heat, severe throat pain, persistent fever, or acupuncture-related symptoms, they may be indicative of bacterial infections, at which point doctors may recommend treatment with antibiotics. Symptoms persist: viral respiratory infections usually relieve themselves within a week, while bacterial infections persist for longer periods and may increase, especially with regard to high fevers, or when symptoms are not mitigated within 10 days, the possibility of bacterial infections needs to be considered. Medical examination and examination: The doctor may identify the type of infection by means of larynx examination, larynx rinsing etc. Laboratory tests make it possible to determine more accurately the existence of bacterial infections and thus to decide whether antibiotics are needed. The risk of overuse of antibiotics, while effective for bacterial infections, poses significant health risks. One of the most serious risks is antibiotic resistance. During repeated exposure to antibiotics, bacteria gradually develop resistance, which means that antibiotics may lose their effect on them, making treatment more difficult. In addition, overuse of antibiotics can lead to intestinal fungus disorders. Antibiotics not only kill harmful bacteria, they can also destroy good bacteria in the body, affect the normal functioning of the immune and digestive systems and lead to diarrhoea, gastrointestinal discomfort, etc. 5. How can upper respiratory infections be properly addressed? (b) Virus infections: For most virally induced upper respiratory infections, treatment focuses on the mitigation of symptoms and the promotion of rehabilitation, rather than on the use of antibiotics. Common treatments include rest, drinking water, keeping the air wet, and the use of non-prescription drugs to alleviate symptoms. Non-prescribed drugs such as defunct, cough and larynx can alleviate discomfort and help to alleviate symptoms. Bacteriological infections: If bacterial infections are diagnosed, doctors select appropriate antibiotics based on the type of pathogens and resistance. At this point, it is very important to follow the doctor ‘ s prescription for treatment and should not buy or stop antibiotics. Prevention of infection: In everyday life, good hygiene practices (e.g., hand washing, avoiding close contact with the sick) can effectively reduce the risk of infection. A reasonable diet, adequate sleep and a proper amount of exercise contribute to increased immunity and prevent respiratory infections such as cold. 6. Concludingly, respiratory infections are mostly caused by viruses and, therefore, antibiotics are not applicable to all cases. Antibiotics are effective only for bacterial infections, and the misuse of antibiotics not only does not facilitate treatment, but may also have serious side effects and increase the risk of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, in the face of upper respiratory infections, it is of the utmost importance to determine the type of infection on the basis of the symptoms and to rationalize the use of antibiotics. Patients should follow the doctor ‘ s advice and refrain from using antibiotics on their own, while preventing infection by improving their lifestyle and increasing their immunity.