Acute upper respiratory tract infection refers to acute inflammation of the nasal cavity, pharynx, or larynx, and is the most common infectious disease of the respiratory tract.
The common cause is a viral infection, with a few cases caused by bacteria, and it can be transmitted through droplets containing the virus or contaminated utensils. Most cases are sporadic, often becoming prevalent when the weather changes suddenly.
The human body is easily susceptible to it when chilled, rained on, or excessively fatigued, especially in the elderly, the young, or those with chronic respiratory illnesses.
Clinically, the main symptoms are coughing and expectoration. The condition is generally not severe but often leads to secondary bronchitis, pneumonia, myocarditis, and other complications. It can also trigger acute attacks of existing conditions, such as chronic bronchitis or pulmonary heart disease.
