How to treat acute respiratory infections

In most cases, the main tactic for acute respiratory infections is rest and drinking plenty of warm liquids. Treatment is usually symptomatic:

• Sore throat: gargle the throat, suck medicine lozenges
• Stuffy nose: apply nasal drops and sprays to help relieve nasal mucosa inflammation and swelling
• Fever is a body's defensive reaction against invading viruses, so it is not recommended to bring it down unnecessarily

The exceptions are children who are prone to the development of febrile convulsions, and there are also several chronic diseases in which an increase in body temperature can be dangerous.

How do I know if there are complications?

Viruses can reduce the activity of the immune defense, and edema and congestion that develop against a viral infection create favorable conditions for the reproduction of bacteria. Generally speaking, bacterial complications appear a week after the start of the acute respiratory infection. You can tell that it has happened by some signs:

• Deterioration of health a few days after the beginning of the acute respiratory infections including weakness, decreased appetite, and children may become cranky and irritable
• Repeated rise in body temperature
• Painful sensations (headache, earache, stomach aches, etc.)

How to proceed

First of all, take a blood test. The most common diagnostic tools are a clinical blood test with expanded white blood cell differential and a blood test for C-reactive protein level. Bacterial infection is characterized by: significant increase in CRP and C-Reactive Protein level, increased leukocyte level, and the appearance of immature neutrophils in the blood.

If a bacterial infection is confirmed, the therapeutic tactics will change. In acute bacterial inflammation, antibacterial medications may be required, and there may be a need for procedures to facilitate the evacuation of pus (sinus lavage, paracentesis, furuncle opening, etc.).

It is important to remember that the human body is very complex, so it is necessary to seek medical treatment from professionals who will provide a treatment plan that is best for your individual needs. Only a qualified specialist can correctly assess the condition and prescribe treatment.

02 October 2021