Upper Respiratory Infections.

Posted on November 12th, 2021

Runny or blocked nose, sore throat, sinus pain, cough and earache are all symptoms of what is known as an upper respiratory tract (upper airway) infection. This includes colds, flu, sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis and otitis media (‘itis’ means inflammation). Most upper respiratory tract infections are not serious and start to clear up within a few days or up to 2 weeks, your immune system is able to deal with this infection and antibiotics are not recommended. Your pharmacist can tell you when you should see a doctor but most often it can be treated at home by drinking plenty of fluids, getting more rest and making sure you get medicines that suit you best. You may prefer a lozenge or spray that contains pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory ingredients for a sore throat; the soothing effects are fast and can last for hours. Remember: Antibiotics won’t relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.