J Korean Med Assoc.  2010 Jan;53(1):10-19. 10.5124/jkma.2010.53.1.10.

Upper Respiratory Infections in Adults

• Kim SW

• KMID: 2188227
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2010.53.1.10

Abstract

Despite major advances in medicine, acute upper respiratory infections (URI) continue to be a huge burden on society in terms of human suffering. Acute rhinopharyngitis (common cold), acute sinusitis (viral and bacterial), acute pharyngotonsillitis, acute laryngitis are categorized as this common health problem. Several viruses can cause common cold, but rhinoviruses are by far the most common. Alleviation of symptoms with drugs such as nasal decongestants and acetaminophen, remains as the main way to manage common cold. Patients with acute pharyngotonsillitis should be treated with antibiotics (amoxicillin) for 10 days, but adult patients have low risk for late complications (rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis) of S. pyogenes infection. Patients with acute viral sinusitis will recover over the course of 7~10 days without antibiotics. Amoxicillin is drug of choice for acute bacterial sinusitis in the practice guidelines. Evidence-based approach is greatly needed for appropriate care for URI patients. Effective antiviral agents and vaccines for URI pathogens should be studied, while the related researches can be challenging. Evidence-based practice for URI and patient education are good medical practice to deal with with these very common health problems.

Keyword

Upper respiratory infections; Evidence-based practice

MeSH Terms

Acetaminophen
Adult
Amoxicillin
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Antiviral Agents
Common Cold
Evidence-Based Practice
Fever
Humans
Laryngitis
Nasal Decongestants
Patient Education as Topic
Respiratory Tract Infections
Rhinovirus
Sinusitis
Stress, Psychological
Vaccines
Acetaminophen
Amoxicillin
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Antiviral Agents
Nasal Decongestants
Vaccines

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