How to Handle Cough and Mucus Caused by Upper Respiratory Infection?

Common causes of upper respiratory infection include viral infections, which account for the majority of cases. Common viruses include influenza virus, adenovirus, and rubella virus. Additionally, low immunity can also lead to upper respiratory infection. Targeted treatment is necessary, which may include applying hot compresses to the back, applying patches to the soles of the feet to relieve coughing, or using steam inhalation to stop coughing. Now, let's discuss what to do when a patient with upper respiratory infection has coughing and sputum.

If a patient with upper respiratory infection has coughing and sputum, and the amount of sputum is not excessive, symptomatic treatment can be provided. The presence of coughing and sputum often suggests the development of acute bronchitis. If the patient coughs up a small amount of white or yellow sputum, this may indicate viral bronchitis. Typically, no special treatment is required, and only symptomatic treatment is necessary, such as oral administration of ambroxol hydrochloride dispersible tablets. However, if the patient with upper respiratory infection coughs up thicker, purulent sputum, this may indicate the development of bacterial bronchitis or pneumonia, in which case antibiotic treatment may be necessary.

1. Viral Infection: About 70%-80% of upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses. The main viruses include influenza viruses (A, B, and C), parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, echo viruses, coxsackie viruses, measles virus, and rubella virus. Bacterial infections can occur directly or following a viral infection, with hemolytic streptococcus being the most common, followed by Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. Gram-negative bacteria are occasionally seen.

2. Decreased Immunity: Various factors that can reduce the overall or local defense of the respiratory tract, such as exposure to cold, getting wet, and excessive fatigue, can lead to decreased defense function and susceptibility to upper respiratory infection.

Respiratory infection is one of the most common diseases in children, especially during the winter and spring seasons. The main cause of upper respiratory infection is viruses, while a minority of cases are caused by bacteria or Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Mild cases mainly manifest as clear nasal discharge, sneezing, mild coughing, sore throat, fatigue, loss of appetite, and may have low fever. The duration of the illness is approximately 3-4 days, with a minority lasting more than a week. In severe cases, children may experience high fever, frequent coughing, irritability, and occasionally febrile seizures. The prognosis is generally good, but in physically weak individuals, it can lead to complications such as otitis media, cervical lymphadenitis, and retropharyngeal abscess. In rare cases, it can also lead to viral myocarditis.