An upper respiratory infection (URI) affects the nasal passages and throat. It can cause symptoms, such as a cough and excess mucus.

A URI occurs when a virus or bacteria enter the body, usually through the mouth or nose. The infection may pass to another person through touch or a sneeze or cough. The treatment is usually simple unless a person also has a chronic respiratory condition, such as asthma.

Adults tend to get between two and three URIs per year. Children, especially young children, may have more of these infections because their immune systems are still developing.

Also, children who spend lots of time around other kids may be more prone to these infections, because children are less likely than adults to wash their hands after sneezing or wipe their noses when they need to.

Enclosed spaces where people gather, such as classrooms, offices, and homes, can be high-risk areas for the spread of URIs.

This article explores how to identify a URI, the possible causes, how it spreads, and the available treatments.

A box of tissues.Share on Pinterest
Supersmario/Getty Images

While different types of URI can cause different symptoms, some common symptoms include:

Other symptoms can include:

On average, symptoms start 1–3 days after an individual comes into contact with a person with the infection and then last 7–10 days.

Several types of URIs exist, and doctors classify them according to the part of the respiratory tract that they mainly affect. Types of URI include:

The common cold

Many viruses can cause a cold. Symptoms may include:

The symptoms usually go away in less than a week.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, and it may stem from an infection in another part of the respiratory system.

The inflammation can lead to increased mucus production and blocked sinuses due to difficulty draining.

Some symptoms of sinusitis include:

  • pain around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead
  • sinus pressure and tenderness
  • nasal discharge
  • a blocked nose
  • postnasal drip
  • a fever
  • bad breath

A person should contact a doctor if their symptoms last for longer than ten days without improvement.

Laryngitis

This is inflammation of the vocal cords, also known as the larynx.

Some common symptoms of laryngitis include:

  • a hoarse voice or loss of voice
  • a persistent cough and irritation in the throat
  • a sore throat

The symptoms tend to get worse in the first three days. However, it usually goes away by itself within two weeks.

Pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the pharynx, or back of the throat. It often occurs with URIs.

Some common symptoms of pharyngitis include:

A doctor may find that there are ulcers on the walls of the throat.

More serious symptoms

An individual needs medical attention if the following occurs:

  • a high fever
  • severe respiratory distress
  • difficulty swallowing

URIs may resolve without treatment, or the symptoms may be mild and easy to treat at home.

However, these infections can cause more serious symptoms or complications that need professional care.

Getting a diagnosis may be important, as the initial symptoms can resemble those of other illnesses, such as:

If any symptoms do not resolve with home care or if they get worse, a person should contact a doctor. This is especially important if they experience difficulty breathing.

Some over-the-counter (OTC) medicines may help adults with URI symptoms. These include:

Pain relief medication

The following decongestants and antihistamines may also help those with URI symptoms.

Decongestants

Antihistamines

According to a 2019 study, nasal decongestants and antihistamines may together be an effective treatment approach. The study authors also note that children under the age of 4 should not use cold medication.

Treating a URI generally involves making a person more comfortable by relieving their symptoms. Some people find that home remedies help.

There is not enough conclusive evidence to show whether these remedies work, but some options include:

Other home care strategies include:

  • applying petroleum jelly to sore or raw areas, such as the lips and nostrils
  • avoiding smoky areas
  • avoiding significant changes in temperature
  • drinking plenty of fluids
  • increasing indoor humidity levels
  • resting as much as necessary
  • using soft tissues when blowing the nose

Viruses and bacteria can cause URIs. When a person with a URI sneezes or coughs, droplets of saliva and mucus that contain the pathogen spray into the air. Other people may breathe the droplets in, or they can land on surfaces that others touch.

If a person touches a contaminated surface and then their nose, eyes, or mouth, they may develop the infection.

Other risk factors for URIs include:

  • infrequent hand washing
  • smoke or secondhand smoke
  • contact with groups of children, for example, in a daycare center or school
  • time in crowded places, such as airplanes and buses
  • time in clinics, hospitals, or care centers
  • stress and sleep problems
  • damage to the airways or nasal cavity
  • the removal of the adenoids or tonsils, which are parts of the immune system
  • an autoimmune condition

A URI is contagious. It spreads through tiny droplets that a person with an infection exhales.

Individuals may contract the illness through breathing in an uncovered cough or sneeze or via hand-to-hand contact with unwashed hands.

A person who touches their hands to their eyes, mouth, or nose can introduce the virus to their system.

The body has several natural defenses against URIs:

  • the hair lining, which traps infectious agents
  • the cells in the lower airways, which help transport pathogens back to the pharynx
  • the mucus, which traps infectious agents
  • the angle between the pharynx and nose, which helps prevent pathogens from falling into the airways

According to the American Lung Association, certain bacteria and viruses responsible for URIs can lead to pneumonia.

The bacteria most often responsible for pneumonia are Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Common viruses that can cause pneumonia include influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Influenza can be fatal, particularly for people living with preexisting conditions. RSV is the most common form of viral pneumonia, and typically, it is not as serious as bacterial pneumonia.

Therefore, it is beneficial for a person to receive both the influenza vaccine and the pneumonia vaccine. Doing so can decrease the risk of transmission of these conditions and reduce the severity of disease in those who get sick.

While most URIs resolve without medical attention, complications can arise, some of which can be severe.

A person should receive medical guidance if they have a URI and:

  • their symptoms keep getting worse
  • they cough up blood or bloody mucus
  • fever that lasts more than four days
  • they are over 65
  • they are pregnant
  • they have a weakened immune system
  • they have any long-term health condition

Below are some commonly asked questions about URIs.

How long does an upper respiratory infection last?

Typically, a URI lasts 7–10 days and, sometimes, up to three weeks. In some cases, these infections develop into more serious issues, such as sinus infections or pneumonia.

What is the fastest way to get rid of an upper respiratory infection naturally?

Getting lots of rest, drinking plenty of water, and gargling with warm salty water can help a person’s symptoms when they have a URI.

Some people believe that home remedies such as echinacea supplements, raw garlic, and green tea will help treat a URI. However, there is not enough conclusive evidence to show whether these remedies work.

What is the best medicine for upper respiratory infections?

For pain relief from URIs, a person can use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to reduce fever and alleviate aches and pains.

Anesthetic sprays and lozenges can also help soothe a sore throat. Additionally, decongestants can relieve nasal congestion, while antihistamines can help reduce runny nose and sneezing.

A person should consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment, especially if symptoms are severe or persistent.

URIs may cause similar symptoms, such as coughing, excess mucus, nasal congestion, a runny nose, and a sore throat.

Each type of URI may cause characteristic symptoms, as well. Doctors classify these infections based on their location in the respiratory tract.

Most people recover from a URI within two weeks with or without OTC or home treatments. However, if the symptoms get worse or are severe, a person should contact a doctor.