Upper respiratory tract infection
Upper respiratory tract infection
Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is a term used to describe acute infections that involve the upper respiratory tract. These infections can affect the nose, throat, pharynx, larynx, and bronchi.
Pronunciation
Upper respiratory tract infection: /ˈʌpər rɪˈspɪrətəri trækt ɪnˈfɛkʃən/
Etymology
The term "upper respiratory tract infection" is derived from the Latin words "superior" meaning "upper", "respirare" meaning "to breathe", and "infectio" meaning "infection".
Definition
An URTI is any infection of the upper respiratory tract. This can include the common cold, laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, and otitis media.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an URTI can include a cough, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, low grade fever, facial pressure and sneezing.
Causes
URTI's are often caused by a viral infection. Common viruses include rhinovirus, coronavirus, and influenza virus. Bacterial infections can also cause URTI's, though this is less common.
Treatment
Treatment for URTI's typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to manage symptoms. Antibiotics are not typically used as they are not effective against viral infections.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Upper respiratory tract infection
- Wikipedia's article - Upper respiratory tract infection
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