Upper Respiratory Infections*

Anyone who has ever had a cold knows about acute respiratory infections (URIs). An acute URI is a contagious infection of your upper respiratory tract. Your upper respiratory tract includes the nose, throat, pharynx, larynx, and bronchi.

Without a doubt, the common cold is the most well-known URI. Other types of URIs include sinusitis, pharyngitis, epiglottitis, and tracheobronchitis. Influenza, on the other hand, isn’t an URI because it’s a systemic illness.

What causes acute upper respiratory infection?

Both viruses and bacteria can cause acute URIs:

Viruses

  • rhinovirus
  • adenovirus
  • coxsackievirus
  • parainfluenza virus
  • respiratory syncytial virus
  • human metapneumovirus

Bacteria

  • group A beta-hemolytic streptococci
  • group C beta-hemolytic streptococci
  • Corynebacterium diphtheriae (diphtheria)
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonorrhea)
  • Chlamydia pneumoniae (chlamydia)

The types of URIs refer to the parts of the upper respiratory tract most involved in the infection. In addition to the common cold, there are other types of URIs:

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses.

Epiglottitis

Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis, the upper part of your trachea. It protects the airway from foreign particles that could get into the lungs. Swelling of the epiglottis is dangerous because it can block the flow of air into the trachea.

Laryngitis

Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx or voice box.

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes is bronchitis. The right and left bronchial tubes branch off from the trachea and go to the right and left lungs.

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