There are a lot of buzzwords used to describe common illnesses. This is especially true during the winter months when illnesses are most common and spread easily. Respiratory tract infections can encompass a wide variety of different illnesses and infections. Learn about common respiratory tract infections, how to identify whether you have a respiratory tract infection, and when to seek medical care for a respiratory tract infection. Walk into AFC Urgent Care Centennial for same-day illness diagnosis and treatment with no appointment necessary.
Causes & Symptoms of Respiratory Tract Infections
Respiratory tract infections may sound intimidating, but in reality, respiratory tract infections are an umbrella term for any illness that affects your respiratory tract. There are two major sections of your respiratory tract: upper and lower. Your upper respiratory tract includes your throat, nose, and sinuses while your lower respiratory tract includes your lungs and bronchial tubes.
Many different types of illnesses can cause a respiratory tract infection. In many cases, infections in your respiratory tract share early symptoms. This can make it difficult to determine exactly what illness you’ve contracted without an evaluation and diagnostic testing performed by a medical professional.
Common symptoms of a respiratory tract infection:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Trouble breathing
- Fever
Do Respiratory Tract Infections Require Medical Treatment?
Respiratory tract infections can be caused by a variety of conditions. This includes viral infections, bacterial infections, and even environmental triggers such as allergens. Depending on what caused the infection, the symptoms and severity of the illness can vary greatly.
Common types of respiratory tract infections:
- Common cold
- The flu
- Bronchitis
- Tonsillitis
- Pneumonia
- Acute rhinitis
Determining what is causing your symptoms is imperative to ensure that you can access effective treatment for your symptoms. Early medical diagnosis can help reduce the risk of developing a severe infection and reduce the risk of developing a secondary infection. Respiratory tract infections can cause severe illness, especially for at-risk populations such as the elderly, young children, immunocompromised individuals, or those with underlying lung conditions.
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Treatment Options in Centennial, CO
A formal medical diagnosis is required to properly diagnose respiratory tract infections. Your medical provider will conduct an in-depth evaluation of your symptoms, take your medical history, and conduct the necessary diagnostic tests. The treatment options for respiratory infections vary greatly. In some cases, such as the common cold, there is no medical treatment available because your body can fight the infection off on its own over time. In this case, your medical provider can suggest at-home care tips and over-the-counter symptom management medications.
In the case of a more severe illness, your medical provider may prescribe a round of antibiotics, an inhaler, or other breathing treatments in addition to at-home care instructions to manage your symptoms. Because respiratory tract infections are severely contagious, it is important to seek treatment early to ensure you are not spreading your illness to others.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Centennial For Rapid Same-Day Illness Diagnosis & Treatment
If you’re experiencing symptoms commonly associated with respiratory tract infections, it is important to seek early medical care. Receiving a proper medical diagnosis will ensure you receive the best treatment to quickly resolve your symptoms. At AFC Urgent Care Centennial, our medical staff is board-certified and experienced in identifying the early symptoms of common respiratory tract infections. Walk into our clinic when it’s convenient for you, or schedule an appointment online.
The walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Centennial accepts patients in Centennial, CO, and the surrounding communities on a walk-in basis. We never require you to schedule an appointment to receive prompt medical care. Simply walk in when it’s convenient for you. Our clinic is state of the art and features a full laboratory and X-ray suite on-site for fast and accurate diagnostic capabilities. If you’re feeling under the weather, visit AFC Urgent Care Centennial. For additional questions regarding our clinic, please contact us directly by calling (303) 220-9168.
