Viral Upper Respiratory Infection

Abstract

The upper respiratory tract includes the sinuses, nasal passages, pharynx, and larynx, and is susceptible to a variety of pathogens including many viruses.  Although other pathogens can also cause infections of the upper respiratory tract, we are focusing on viral illnesses for the purposes of this review.  Upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) include sinusitis, nasopharyngitis (common cold), pharyngitis, epiglottitis, and tracheitis.  URI’s are one of the most frequent causes for visits to see a physician in the United States. Despite the fact that many URIs are caused by viral pathogens, more than half of patients in both the clinic and the emergency department setting with a diagnosis of URI received antibiotics. URIs are generally mild, and self-limited illnesses; however, it is important to recognize clinical entities that may be severe and warrant more extensive diagnostic workup and treatment such as epiglottitis and tracheitis. This review covers the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, disposition and outcome for multiple viral URIs seen commonly in the emergency department setting. This review contains 3 figures, 8 tables, and 87 references. Key words: Common cold, epiglottitis, nasopharyngitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, tracheitis, upper respiratory tract infection