Upper respiratory symptoms appear in all age groups and at any time of the year. During the winter, it is common to be sick with an upper respiratory infection. People tend to stay inside, and during the winter, homes and businesses are closed up to keep the heat in. Because the respiratory tract involves a large part of the body, what you are infected with could be one of many illnesses. The other thing to consider is that a cough or sore throat may be just a simple cold or it may be something more. Only your doctor can diagnose what you have, so see her if you are not sure or if your symptoms are severe.
Instructions
1. Monitor your symptoms. Upper respiratory infections involve your body from the chest up. Typical upper respiratory infection symptoms include a cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, phlegm or excess mucous, and nasal drainage. Other symptoms that often coincide with upper respiratory infections are headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
2. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not clear up after 48 hours, if your fever is over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, or are severe.
3. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you cough up blood or breathing.
4. Educate yourself about what an upper respiratory infection is. Know what constitutes a mild, serious and life threatening condition.
5. You may have difficulty inhaling or exhaling. If you have difficulty breathing, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Tags: your symptoms, have difficulty, upper respiratory infection, your doctor, cough sore, cough sore throat