Upper respiratory tract infection (URI) is a nonspecific term used to describe acute infections involving the nose, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchi.
Upper respiratory infections are one of the most frequent causes for a doctor visit with varying symptoms ranging from runny nose, sore throat, cough, to breathing difficulty, and lethargy. In the United States, upper respiratory infections are the most common illness leading to missing school or work. The common cold refers to a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Characteristic symptoms of the common cold include. 1  cough, 2  stuffy or. 3  runny nose, 4  scratchy or. 5  sore throat, 6  sneezing. Common symptoms of an upper respiratory infection such as a cold include a runny nose, post-nasal drip, cough, and nasal congestion. If laryngitis develops (larynx=voice box + itis=inflammation), the patient may lose their voice or become hoarse. The respiratory tract is divided into two categories based anatomy. 1  The upper respiratory tract includes the mouth, nose, throat, larynx (voice box), and trachea (windpipe). 2  The lower respiratory tract includes the bronchial tubes and the lungs. Practice Essentials. Upper respiratory tract infection (URI) represents the most common acute illness evaluated in the outpatient setting. URIs range from the common cold—typically a mild, self-limited, catarrhal syndrome of the nasopharynx—to life-threatening illnesses such as epiglottitis (see the image below). Background. Upper respiratory tract infection (URI) represents the most common acute illness evaluated in the outpatient setting. URIs range from the common cold—typically a mild, self-limited, catarrhal syndrome of the nasopharynx—to life-threatening illnesses such as epiglottitis. Upper Respiratory Infections. Infections of the respiratory tract are grouped according to their symptomatology and anatomic involvement. Acute upper respiratory infections (URI) include the common cold, pharyngitis, epiglottitis, and laryngotracheitis (Fig. 93-1). These infections are usually benign, transitory and self-limited, altho ugh epiglottitis and laryngotracheitis can be serious diseases in children and young infants.  1 The upper respiratory tract includes the mouth, nose, throat, larynx (voice box), and trachea (windpipe). 2  Upper respiratory infections are often referred to as  colds 3  .. The lower respiratory tract includes the bronchial tubes and the lungs. 4  Bronchitis and pneumonia are infections of the lower respiratory tract. The respiratory tract is divided into two categories based anatomy. 1  The upper respiratory tract includes the mouth, nose, throat, larynx (voice box), and trachea (windpipe). 2  The respiratory tract is divided into two categories based anatomy. 1  The upper respiratory tract includes the mouth, nose, throat, larynx (voice box), and trachea (windpipe). 2  Upper respiratory infections are often referred to as  colds 3  .. The lower respiratory tract includes the bronchial tubes and the lungs. The respiratory tract is divided into two categories based anatomy. 1  The upper respiratory tract includes the mouth, nose, throat, larynx (voice box), and trachea (windpipe). 2  Upper respiratory infection facts. 1  Upper respiratory infections are one of the most common reasons for doctor visits. 2  Upper respiratory infections are the most common illness resulting in missed work or school. 3  Upper respiratory infections can happen at any time, but are most common in the fall and winter. 1 Upper respiratory infections can happen at any time, but are most common in the fall and winter. 2  The vast majority of upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses and are self-limited. 3  Symptoms of upper respiratory infection include. 4  cough, 5  sneezing, 6  nasal discharge, 7  nasal congestion, 8  runny nose, 9  fever, An upper respiratory infection (URI), also known as the common cold, is one of the most common illnesses, leading to more health care provider visits and absences from school and work than any other illness every year. It is estimated that during a 1-year period, people in the U.S. will suffer 1 billion colds.  Definition and Causes. Upper respiratory tract infection (URI) is a nonspecific term used to describe acute infections involving the nose, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchi. The prototype is the illness known as the common cold, which is discussed here, in addition to pharyngitis, sinusitis, and tracheobronchitis. 
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what are upper respiratory infections