An upper respiratory tract infection, referred to as the common cold, is a major threat during the flu season. Rhinovirus, coronavirus, adenovirus, coxsackievirus, influenza virus, and other contagious viruses are primarily responsible for the infection in the upper respiratory tract or URT that consists of the nose, throat, larynx, nasal cavity, and mouth. 

Upper respiratory infection symptoms are very common during the flu season, and they shouldn’t be taken lightly. What are upper respiratory infection treatments? Let’s discuss it below. 

What Causes Bronchitis?

Bronchitis infection is a type of swelling or inflammation in the bronchial tubes. The air passage connecting the mouth or nose to the lungs becomes inflamed with thick mucus, indicating a serious respiratory problem. Bronchitis can be of two types, acute and chronic. 

1. Acute Bronchitis 

Most people get affected with acute bronchitis, that in most cases, lasts for two weeks. Thankfully, health complications after that are rare and generally not heard of. 

2. Chronic Bronchitis 

The inflamed bronchial tubes produce a lot of thick mucus that leads to difficulty breathing and coughing. It is a long-term sickness that requires immediate and continuous medical attention. In the worst-case scenario, it leads to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), prevalent among smokers. 

Symptoms Of Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Running nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, and cough are the hallmark symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. However, there are a host of other sub-symptoms that might include. 

• 1. Fatigue
• 2. Headache
• 3. Wheezing
• 4. Fever
• 5. Pain during swallowing

Acute Bronchitis Symptoms

Acute bronchitis usually develops when you are already suffering from a cold. The main cause of acute bronchitis is persistent cough combined with a sore throat, difficulties in swallowing, frequent nasal discharge, body ache, chest congestion, and fever, to name a few. If it gets severe, one may experience shortness of breath.

Causes For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Infections in the upper airways of the lungs mostly occur due to viruses that cause cough, cold, and flu. The contagious viruses enter the body through the mucous membranes of the nose and cause serious infections. 

Factors Causing Bronchitis

1. Exposure to external elements, such as dust and fumes.
2. Repeated inflammation in the bronchial tubes.
3. Exposure to lung irritants from field work, fires, and high pollution levels. 

Treatments For Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

In most cases, upper respiratory tract infections do not require any specific medical attention till deterioration is imminent, or signs of the same begin to manifest. A physician consultation would then be required. 

Effective home remedies like salt water gargle, vapor, and the consumption of therapeutic foods provide effective alternative relief. Timely and regimen-based intake of vitamin C, zinc, certain minerals, and nasal decongestants curtail the duration of the viral infection. However, instead of investing in all the ingredients mentioned above, it would be wise to try PhytoRelief-CC. It is a soft lozenge that offers triple turmeric, ginger, and pomegranate benefits. It is not only effective for treating URT infections but also a useful solution for boosting immunity.

Treatments For Bronchitis

The onset of acute bronchitis is primarily due to viral infections. The prescribed antibiotics though effective, often carry unwanted side effects and may definitely not be the best solution providers. Don't be surprised if your physician recommends you increase your fluid intake and sleep to treat acute upper respiratory infection and bronchitis. However, if it gets severe due to negligence, the doctor might suggest you take a few antibiotics, steroids, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.  

Chronic bronchitis is a serious health issue for which medication is imperative. Untreated bronchitis may lead to permanent lung damage. Take care! 

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