An upper respiratory infection (URI) is a common infection of the nose, throat, and upper air passages that lead to the lungs. It is caused by a virus. The most common type of URI is the common cold. Show
URIs usually get better on their own, without medical treatment. URIs in children may last longer than they do in adults. What are the causes?A URI is caused by a virus. Your child may catch a virus by:
What increases the risk?Your child is more likely to get a URI if:
What are the signs or symptoms?If your child has a URI, he or she may have some of the following symptoms:
How is this diagnosed?This condition may be diagnosed based on your child's medical history and symptoms and a physical exam. Your child's health care provider may use a swab to take a mucus sample from the nose (nasal swab). This sample can be tested to determine what virus is causing the illness. How is this treated?URIs usually get better on their own within 7–10 days. Medicines or antibiotics cannot cure URIs, but your child's health care provider may recommend over-the-counter cold medicines to help relieve symptoms if your child is 6 years of age or older. Follow these instructions at home:Medicines
Relieving symptoms
Activity
General instructions
How to prevent the spread of infection to others URIs can be passed from person to person (are contagious). To prevent the infection from spreading:
Contact your child's health care provider if:
These symptoms may be an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get help right away. Call 911. Summary
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider. What measure at home could help a child with an upper respiratory infection breathe more easily?Place a humidifier by your child's bed or close to your child. This may make it easier for your child to breathe.
What helps breathing with upper respiratory infection?Treatment for upper respiratory infections often includes rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain relievers. Infections usually go away on their own.. Rest your voice. Try not to speak. ... . Drink plenty of extra fluids.. Breathe in steam.. Use cough suppressants.. How do you help a child with difficulty breathing?What treatments are there for children with breathing difficulties?. Encourage them to drink as much as they can. This often means drinking little and often. ... . Give paracetamol or ibuprofen if your child is in pain or has a high temperature (fever). ... . Make sure your child is in a comfortable and calm environment.. What helps upper respiratory infection in children?How can I manage my child's symptoms?. Have your child rest. ... . Give your child more liquids as directed. ... . Clear mucus from your child's nose. ... . Soothe your child's throat. ... . Soothe your child's cough. ... . Use a cool-mist humidifier. ... . Apply petroleum-based jelly around the outside of your child's nostrils.. |