Upper Respiratory Infection Specialist

What is an upper respiratory infection?

An upper respiratory infection is the medical term for the common cold. The common cold is caused by a virus that inflames the membranes that line the nose, sinuses, and throat. Children tend to experience six to eight colds per year, though they can get sick more often if they’re in school or daycare. Most adults tend to get colds once or twice per year.

What are the signs of an upper respiratory infection?

The most common signs of an upper respiratory infection — or common cold — include:

• A runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Sneezing
• Coughing
•  fever or no fever at all
• Occasional headaches
• Slight aches and pains
• Mild fatigue

Symptoms of the common cold and flu can overlap, though flu symptoms tend to be more severe. Flu symptoms include a high fever, headaches, body aches, chills, exhaustion, and nausea and vomiting.

What causes the common cold?

The common cold can be caused by more than 200 different viruses, though the rhinovirus is the most common cause. “Cold season” occurs from late August to March or April, which is when most children and adults are indoors more often and the chance of cross-contamination is higher. Upper respiratory infections also occur when the weather is less humid and your nasal passages dry out, making you more susceptible to infection.

You can catch a cold through physical contact with an infected person and through the air. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, particles of fluid containing the virus enter the air and can be inhaled, spreading the virus to others. This is why the providers always recommend covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

How are upper respiratory infections treated?

If you or your child are showing signs of an upper respiratory infection, visit Schaumburg Immediate Care for treatment. The providers offer different treatment options depending on the patient’s age, overall health, and severity of symptoms.

Treatment may include:

• Saline nose drops
• Pain medications, such as acetaminophen, to relieve discomfort
• Cough suppressants or expectorants
• Nasal decongestants
• Using a bulb syringe to remove mucus from the nose

The providers also offer recommendations to reduce the risk of spreading the virus throughout your family.

Don’t suffer with a cold any longer, call or schedule a visit online at Schaumburg Immediate Care. Walk-ins are welcome, too.