Signs and Symptoms
Acute upper respiratory tract infections include rhinitis, pharyngitis/tonsillitis and laryngitis often referred to as a common cold, and their complications: sinusitis, ear infection and sometimes bronchitis (though bronchi are generally classified as part of the lower respiratory tract.) Symptoms of URI's commonly include cough, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, low grade fever, facial pressure and sneezing. Onset of symptoms usually begins 1–3 days after exposure. The illness usually lasts 7–10 days.
Group A beta hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis/tonsillitis(strep throat) typically presents with a sudden onset of sore throat, pain with swallowing and fever. Strep throat does not usually cause runny nose, voice changes or cough.
Pain and pressure of the ear caused by a middle ear infection (Otitis media) and the reddening of the eye caused by viral Conjunctivitis are often associated with upper respiratory infections.
| Symptoms | Allergy
|
URI | Influenza |
|---|---|---|---|
| Itchy, watery eyes | Common | Rare (conjunctivitis may occur with adenovirus) | Soreness behind eyes, sometimes conjunctivitis |
| Nasal discharge | Common | Common | Common |
| Nasal congestion | Common | Common | Sometimes |
| Sneezing | Very common | Very common | Sometimes |
| Sore throat | Sometimes (postnasal drip) | Very common | Sometimes |
| Cough | Sometimes | Common (mild to moderate, hacking) | Common (dry cough, can be severe) |
| Headache | Uncommon | Sometimes (sinus pressure headache) | Common |
| Fever | Never | Rare in adults, possible in children | Very common (100-102°F (or higher in young children), lasting 3–4 days; may have chills) |
| Malaise | Sometimes | Sometimes | Very common |
| Fatigue, weakness | Sometimes | Sometimes | Very common, can last for weeks, extreme exhaustion early in course |
| Muscle pain | Never | Slight | Very common, often severe |
Read more about this topic: Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
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