What Is an Upper Respiratory Infection?

An upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold, can pose many risks to your child's health. One of the most significant dangers is the potential for the disease to spread to the lungs, leading to a more serious respiratory illness like pneumonia. An upper respiratory infection can weaken your child's immune system, making you more susceptible to other ailments. They may experience coughing, fever, congestion, and difficulty breathing.

See Dr. Michael Taymor and Dr. Lama Rimawi in Palo Alto, CA if your child's symptoms persist for more than a week, have a high fever, or are experiencing severe difficulty breathing. Seeking prompt medical attention for an upper respiratory infection can help prevent complications and ensure a speedy recovery.

What Is an Upper Respiratory Infection?

An upper respiratory infection (URI) affects the nose, throat, sinuses, and sometimes the ears. It often results from a virus but can also stem from bacteria or other pathogens. Symptoms can include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, sneezing, and sometimes fever. URIs are highly contagious and can spread from person to person through close contact, such as sharing utensils or being near an infected individual.

Examples of URIs include the common cold, influenza, and sinusitis. These conditions can cause discomfort and inconvenience, but they typically resolve within a few days to a week.

Treatment may involve over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms or prescription medications to manage complications or more severe symptoms. Prevention is ideal for avoiding an upper respiratory infection in Palo Alto, CA. Good hygiene practices such as hand washing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals can also help reduce the risk.

Your Office Visit: What to Expect

During an initial consultation for an upper respiratory infection in Palo Alto, CA, you can expect Dr. Michael Taymor and Dr. Lama Rimawi to ask questions about your child's symptoms and medical history. They may check their vital signs, such as their temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. They may also examine their nose, throat, and ears for signs of infection or inflammation.

Depending on the symptoms and physical exam findings, our physician may recommend further testing, prescribe medications, or suggest self-care measures such as rest and fluids. We recommend being honest and thorough in describing symptoms and asking questions you have so that we can provide the best possible care.

Please explore our website to learn about the conditions we treat and the services provided. If you have questions or concerns regarding an upper respiratory infection in Palo Alto, CA, and want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Taymor and Dr. Lama Rimawi, call (650) 321-7722.