Upper Respiratory Infections

Urgent Care, Telemedicine & Primary Care Practice located in El Centro, Brawley, Calimesa and Calexico, CA

Upper Respiratory Infections services offered in El Centro, Brawley, Calimesa and Calexico, CA

If you develop ongoing coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, or a sore throat, it could be because of an upper respiratory infection. At All Valley Urgent Care in Brawley and El Centro, California, outstanding physicians Luis E. Verduzco, MD, Brian Tyson, MD, and the other team members provide treatments that ease unpleasant symptoms, speed up recovery, and reduce your chance of complications. Call the office to schedule an in-person or telemedicine appointment, or request an appointment online today.

Upper Respiratory Infections Q&A

What are upper respiratory infections?

Upper respiratory infections are illnesses caused by a virus or bacteria entering your upper respiratory system, including your throat and sinuses. Examples of common upper respiratory infections include:

Colds
Croup
Ear infections
Laryngitis
Epiglottitis
Pharyngitis
Sinus infections

Examples of lower respiratory infections are chest infections, pneumonia, and bronchitis, which often affect your airways, lungs, and breathing.

Such infections can cause an array of unpleasant symptoms that go away with proper at-home care or worsen when left untreated.

What are the symptoms of upper respiratory infections?

The symptoms of upper respiratory infections include:

Runny nose
Sore throat
Coughing
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Sneezing
Hoarse voice
Fever
Fatigue
Swollen lymph nodes
Red eyes

See the experts at All Valley Urgent Care if you have severe, ongoing, or worsening symptoms and need relief.

How do upper respiratory infections spread?

Upper respiratory infections spread through water droplets in the air or shared surfaces. You might contract an upper respiratory infection by being in close contact with an infected person who talks, breathes, coughs, or sneezes right next to you; touching shared surfaces; or shaking hands with an infected person and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Additional risk factors include being a child or older adult, infrequently washing your hands, touching your face often, having heart or lung problems, or having a weakened immune system, but anyone can contract upper respiratory infections.

How are upper respiratory infections diagnosed?

Your All Valley Urgent Care provider diagnoses upper respiratory infections after discussing your medical history, lifestyle, and symptoms. They also check your vital signs and complete a physical exam to assess your eyes, ears, nose, throat, breathing, heartbeat, and more.

Your specialist may suggest a nasal or throat swab, sputum test (coughing up phlegm for a lab analysis), chest X-rays, a lung CT scan, or lung function testing in some cases.

How are upper respiratory infections treated?

Upper respiratory infections usually last 1-2 weeks, and they often go away on their own after resting, drinking fluids, and eating nutritious foods. You might also take over-the-counter medications.

However, if your symptoms are severe, worsening, or long-lasting, you might need prescription medications, intravenous (IV) treatments, breathing treatments, or other medical interventions. Your urgent care specialist follows up with you to ensure you’re recovering well and feeling better.

To get relief from upper respiratory infections, schedule an appointment at All Valley Urgent Care or simply walk into the office today.