Upper Respiratory Infection

Millions of Americans develop upper respiratory infections each year, like strep throat, influenza, and COVID-19. At Refresh Wellness in Garland, Texas, board-certified nurse practitioner and house call specialist Bincy Varughese, APRN, FNP-C, provides same-day testing and treatment of various upper respiratory infections. After an exam, she can determine the severity of your illness and make personalized care recommendations. Call the office to receive an upper respiratory infection treatment today, or book online.

What are upper respiratory infections?

Upper respiratory infections occur when viruses or bacteria infiltrate your airways, causing inflammation in your sinuses and throat.

Most upper respiratory infections are mild and improve with rest and at-home treatments. If your symptoms continue or keep you from routine activities, contact Refresh Wellness.

What are some examples of upper respiratory infections?

Refresh Wellness diagnoses and treats various upper respiratory infections, including:

• Common cold
• Influenza (the seasonal flu)
• COVID-19
• Strep throat
• Epiglottitis
• Sore throat
• Sinus infection

If you have viral or bacterial infection symptoms, your Refresh Wellness provider can identify the underlying cause and help you feel better.

What are the symptoms of upper respiratory infections?

Symptoms of upper respiratory infections include:

• Cough
• Fever
• Hoarse throat
• Fatigue
• Red eyes
• Runny nose
• Sore throat

Respiratory infections may cause swollen lymph nodes or visible swelling on the sides of your neck.

How are upper respiratory infections diagnosed?

Your Refresh Wellness provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, if they’re worse at certain times of the day, and if they improve with over-the-counter treatments. 

Next, your provider completes an exam. They look in your ears, nose, and throat, check for inflammation and listen to your lungs for congestion or wheezing.

If an exam doesn’t provide enough insight to make a diagnosis, your provider orders additional tests, like a nasal swab, throat swab, or sputum test. These measures determine if you have a viral or bacterial infection and help guide treatment.

How are upper respiratory infections treated?

Most upper respiratory infections respond to conservative, at-home treatments like getting rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter medicine.

If your symptoms continue or worsen, your Refresh Wellness provider may prescribe medication. Viruses cause the majority of upper respiratory infections. As a result, your provider may recommend antiviral medication. Antiviral drugs minimize symptoms and shorten the length of viral infections.

Can upper respiratory infections be prevented?

There’s no way to prevent upper respiratory infections entirely, but you can reduce your risk by practicing good hygiene. Refresh Wellness recommends washing your hands throughout the day, getting plenty of sleep, and covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

Call Refresh Wellness to learn more about the treatment of upper respiratory infections, or book online.