If you have a sore throat, cough, or nasal congestion, a respiratory infection might be the reason. The primary care team at University Family Medicine Center, P.C. in Pueblo, Colorado, offers treatments for respiratory infections to ease bothersome symptoms and get you on the road to recovery quickly. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.
What are respiratory infections?
Upper and lower respiratory infections affect your respiratory tract, including the sinuses, throat, and breathing. While such infections often go away on their own over time, sometimes they can become severe and require medical intervention. Examples of respiratory infections include:
See the experts at University Family Medicine Center, P.C. if you have unpleasant or long-lasting respiratory infection symptoms.
What are the symptoms of respiratory infections?
Symptoms of respiratory infections include:
Respiratory infections often last one to two weeks and usually go away on their own over time. You may need medical care if your symptoms last longer than two weeks.
What causes respiratory infections?
Respiratory infections often develop because of bacteria or viruses entering your respiratory system. You might contract a respiratory illness after touching a shared surface, shaking hands, or because of a cough, sneeze, or close contact with an infected person. The germs often enter your body through your nose, eyes, or mouth.
Groups of people with a higher risk of developing respiratory infections include older adults, babies and young children, and people with chronic diseases and weakened immune systems.
How does my provider diagnose respiratory infections?
To diagnose respiratory infections and treat them properly, the University Family Medicine Center, P.C. team checks your blood pressure and other vital signs, reviews your medical history and symptoms, and completes a physical exam. They examine your ears, throat, nose, eyes, breathing, and heartbeat.
You might need a chest X-ray, throat swab, nasal swab, lung CT scan, sputum (phlegm) tests, or lung-function testing.
How are respiratory infections treated?
Your personalized treatment for respiratory infections depends on the type you have and how severe it is. Your University Family Medicine Center, P.C. provider may suggest you get more rest, drink more fluids, take over-the-counter medicines, gargle with salt water, try nasal rinses, or use prescription medicines to ease symptoms. You might need breathing or IV treatments.
Make sure to avoid smoking, get plenty of sleep, and minimize stress when trying to recover from respiratory illnesses. Getting vaccinated can help you avoid certain respiratory infections or make your symptoms less severe.
To get screened or treated for respiratory infections, call the University Family Medicine Center, P.C. office or book an appointment online today.
