Author(s): Dr. Mohammad Haneef Hanamsagar and Dr. Arish MK Sherwani

Abstract:
Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) occurs commonly in both children and adults and is a major cause of mild morbidity. A variety of viruses and bacteria can cause upper respiratory tract infections. The most common bacterial agents causing sinusitis are S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, S. aureus and S. pyogenes. Common cold continues to be a large burden on society, economically and socially which are caused by viruses. Upper respiratory tract infections including nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis and otitis media constitute 87.5% of the total episodes of respiratory infections. Cough, Sore throat, Runny nose, Nasal congestion, Headache, Low-grade fever, Sneezing, Malaise and Myalgias are common clinical manifestation of URTIs. Most URTIs are self-managed. Amoxycillin is antibacterial of choice. The alternative medications include oral cephalosporins (cefaclor, cephalexin), amoxicillin or macrolides, anti-histamines and acetaminophen. In this review article, we discuss the, epidemiology, causes, clinical manifestation, diagnosis, management, Evidence Based Medicine

Pages: 1506-1508  |  743 Views  131 Downloads