Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI):

As the lining of the nose, throat, larynx, windpipe (trachea) and airways into the lungs (bronchi) are similar, infection developing in one of these often spreads to the others and causes a mixture of symptoms. Where the infection is localised to the larynx, windpipe or bronchi, the terms laryngitis, tracheitis or bronchitis are used. However, as the infection is often not restricted to one of these parts, the general term of upper respiratory tract infection is widely used by doctors and nurses. The vast majority of URTIs are caused by viruses so antibiotics have no place in the treatment of an uncomplicated URTI - symptomatic treatment with regular painkillers and advice to drink plenty of fluids and rest will ease symptoms whilst waiting for the body to fight off the infecting virus.

The predominant symptom of a URTI is a cough. General symptoms including a temperature, headache with aches and pains also tend to be present. If the nose or larynx are particularly affected, symptoms of a common cold and laryngitis may be present.

A URTI usually causes symptoms for 3-4 days before gradually settling. However, the cough often persists for a few weeks after the person feels better. This is not a cause for alarm and merely reflects the time taken for the airway inflammation caused by the virus to settle fully. People are often surprised at how long a cough can last after a URTI - it is not unusual for the cough to take 4-6 weeks before it finally goes.

As with other viral illnesses, the symptomatic treatments detailed elsewhere (see common cold) above should be used whilst waiting for recovery. 'Cough bottles' have only a limited role to play. There is very limited evidence that those designed against 'chesty coughs' help. Those for 'dry coughs' may be useful, particularly overnight, by helping to suppress the cough response and causing some drowsiness.

Coughs are very common and unfortunately often cause concern, particularly in parents of a young child who is affected. Mums and dads are understandably concerned that their child may be developing a chest infection and often seek medical advice about this. As we have seen, coughs are usually merely a symptom of a viral infection, even when they sound 'rattly': this usually results from mucus or phlegm produced in the upper airways and nose trickling down the back of the throat and causing the inflamed airways to cough it back. However, chest infections do occasionally occur as a complication of a URTI and it is important to seek medical attention if the patient's general condition deteriorates or if breathing difficulties, such as shortness of breath, develop. Likewise a cough that has not settled after 4-6 weeks merits a doctor's opinion.

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice or substituted for professional advice. Always consult your doctor with your questions and concerns.