Infection in the Nose, Throat, and Airways (Upper Respiratory Infection) in Adults: What to Know
An upper respiratory infection (URI) affects the nose, throat, and upper airways that lead to the lungs. The most common type of URI is often called the common cold.
URIs usually get better on their own, without medical treatment.
What are the causes?
A URI is caused by a germ called a virus. You can get a virus by:
Breathing in droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze.
Touching something that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
What increases the risk?
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Being an older adult.
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Having close contact with others, such as at work, school, or a health care facility.
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Smoking.
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Having long-term heart or lung disease.
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Having a weakened immune system, which is the body's defense system.
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Having nasal allergies or asthma.
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Having a lot of stress.
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Having poor nutrition.
What are the signs or symptoms?
A URI will often cause some of these symptoms:
Runny or stuffy (congested) nose and sneezing.
Cough or sore throat.
Headache or muscle aches.
Feeling tired.
Fever.
Not wanting to eat as much as usual.
Sinus pain. This is pain in your forehead, behind your eyes, and over your cheekbones.
Redness or irritation of the eyes.
Pressure in the ears or face.
How is this diagnosed?
A URI may be diagnosed based on:
Your health care provider may also use a swab to take a mucus sample from your nose (nasal swab). This sample can be tested to see what virus is causing the illness.
How is this treated?
URIs often get better on their own within 7–10 days. Medicines don't cure URIs, but your provider may suggest certain medicines to help with symptoms. These may include:
Over-the-counter cold medicines.
Medicines to reduce coughing (cough suppressants). Coughing is a type of defense against infection. It helps to clear the nose, throat, windpipe, and lungs. So you should take these medicines only as told.
Medicines to lower your fever.
Follow these instructions at home:
Activity
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Rest as needed.
- If you have a fever, stay home from work or school until your fever is gone or until your provider says it's OK to go back.
You should stay home until you're no longer contagious. This means you can't spread the infection to other people anymore.
Your provider may have you wear a face mask so you have less risk of spreading the infection.
Relieving symptoms
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Use saline nose drops to ease a stuffy nose.
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Use a cream or balm to help heal dry skin around your nose.
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Swish and gargle with salt water and then spit it out. To make salt water, add a half to a whole spoonful of salt to a glass of warm water. Mix well.
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Take a teaspoon of honey before bed. This may help with symptoms and lessen coughing at night.
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Use a cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air. This can help you breathe more easily.
Eating and drinking
General instructions
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Take medicines only as told.
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Do not smoke, vape, or use nicotine or tobacco.
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Stay away from secondhand smoke. Avoid places where people are smoking.
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Stay up to date on your shots. Be sure to get the flu shot every year.
How to prevent the spread of infection to others
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you can't use soap and water, use hand sanitizer.
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Avoid touching your mouth, face, eyes, or nose.
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Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve or elbow. Do not cough or sneeze into your hand or into the air.
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Clean all surfaces and doorknobs.
Contact a health care provider if:
These symptoms may be an emergency. Call 911 right away.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.