Common Types of Upper Respiratory Illnesses
- Common Cold: Caused by various viruses, primarily rhinoviruses. Symptoms include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing, and low-grade fever
- Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses, which can be viral, bacterial, or fungal. Symptoms include facial pain, nasal congestion, runny nose, fever, and headache
- Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the pharynx, often referred to as a sore throat. It can be caused by viruses or bacteria, such as Streptococcus pyogenes (strep throat). Symptoms include a painful throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever
- Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx, often resulting in a hoarse voice or loss of voice. It can be caused by viral infections, overuse of the voice, or irritants
- Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, leading to coughing and mucus production. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) and is often caused by viral infections
Symptoms
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Fever
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness or loss of voice
Causes
URIs are typically caused by viruses, but they can also be caused by bacteria. Common viral causes include rhinoviruses, coronaviruses, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Bacterial causes include Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophiles influenzae.
Prevention
- Hand hygiene: Regular hand washing with soap and water.
- Avoid close contact: Stay away from people who are sick.
- Vaccinations: Stay up to date with vaccines, such as the flu shot.
- Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep to boost your immune system
Treatment
- Rest and fluids: Ensure plenty of rest and hydration.
- Over-the-counter medications: Use pain relievers, decongestants, and cough suppressants as needed.
- Steam inhalation and saltwater gargles: Help relieve symptoms.
- Antibiotics: Only if the infection is bacterial, as prescribed by a healthcare provider
Upper respiratory illnesses are usually self-limiting and resolve on their own with supportive care. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek medical attention.
Home Care Plus is an in-home elder care and support service whose goal is to help elderly clients live life as fully and safely as possible in the comfort of their own homes. We offer a wide range of services to meet a variety of needs. Our mission is to provide quality supportive services and care coordination to our clients to assist them in leading dignified and independent lifestyles in the comfort and safety of their own homes.
We provide a comprehensive ongoing needs assessment by a Registered Nurse identifying an individual’s and his/her support system’s strengths, weaknesses, limitations, objectives and service needs. With the focus on health, psychosocial and environmental factors we develop an individualized plan of care based on the needs assessed. The plan of care is tailored to fit changing needs and thoroughly reviewed with the client, family members and/or responsible parties.
We provide a comprehensive ongoing needs assessment by a Registered Nurse identifying an individual’s and his/her support system’s strengths, weaknesses, limitations, objectives and service needs. With the focus on health, psychosocial and environmental factors we develop an individualized plan of care based on the needs assessed. The plan of care is tailored to fit changing needs and thoroughly reviewed with the client, family members and/or responsible parties.
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