Upper respiratory infection symptoms & when to seek treatment
Symptoms will vary between the different types of upper respiratory infections. For instance, when compared to the common cold, a sinus infection will likely cause increased pain and pressure within the face, and the symptoms will tend to last longer. With that being said, some common symptoms of upper respiratory infections include:
In many cases, upper respiratory infections will resolve on their own, without the need for professional treatment. However, you may want to seek treatment for your elderly loved one if his or her symptoms are severe or getting worse, or if they’ve lasted for longer than a couple of weeks. You should also seek immediate medical attention if your loved one is having trouble breathing or swallowing, if he or she is dehydrated or lethargic, or if he or she is exhibiting signs of confusion.
What causes upper respiratory infections in seniors?
Upper respiratory infections can be caused by viruses or bacteria, oftentimes spread by person-to-person contact. It’s important to note that if your elderly loved one has an upper respiratory infection that’s caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t have any effect on the illness.
How to prevent & manage upper respiratory infections in seniors
In order to avoid developing an upper respiratory infection, your elderly loved one should:
- Frequently wash his or her hands
- Avoid large gatherings
- Stay away from individuals who are sick
- Disinfect frequently touched household surfaces and objects, such as doorknobs and remote controls
If left untreated
As noted above, seniors’ weakened immune systems place them at a greater risk of developing complications from an upper respiratory infection. These complications can be quite serious. An untreated infection, for example, could spread to the brain and cause encephalitis or meningitis, or to the heart and cause myocarditis or pericarditis. And in some cases, a viral infection could make it easier for bacteria to invade the airways, leading to a secondary bacterial infection. Plus, individuals with an underlying chronic lung disease, such as asthma or COPD, could experience a worsening of that condition.
To arrange for one of our skilled mobile teams to visit your elderly loved one, contact DispatchHealth today. You can request a visit over the phone, on our app, or through our website.