Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: Causes and Management

Introduction

Respiratory infections can involve the upper, lower respiratory tract, or both. The infection develops from viruses, bacteria, or fungi, which leads to symptoms of the common cold, sinusitis (sinus inflammation), pneumonia (lung inflammation), or bronchitis (bronchus inflammation). Respiratory tract infection also develops from increased exposure to irritants, underlying lung disease, anatomical or structural defects in the airway, or immune system disorders. This article briefly explains possible causes for developing recurrent respiratory tract infections in humans and their management.

What Are Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections?

Recurrent upper respiratory tract infections are when infections repeatedly develop in the upper parts of the respiratory tract. The infection occurs in the nose, throat, or sinuses. The infections are common among adults. Some adults get infected yearly. For some, it can also be an indicator of underlying medical disorders.

Bacteria and viruses are the main culprits for developing recurrent upper respiratory tract infections. As a result of infection, the individual develops a common cold, sinusitis, or sore throat.

What Causes Upper Respiratory Tract Infections?

Anatomic Defects: It is a common cause for developing unexplained and recurrent upper respiratory tract infections. The anatomic defects could be congenital or acquired. It includes:

• Structural Defects: Upper airway anomalies such as nasal polyps or deviated septum cause repeated infections. The defects interfere with airflow and normal drainage of the upper respiratory tract.

• Tumors: Tumors of the respiratory tract cause repeated infections in the upper respiratory regions.

• Foreign Bodies: Lodgement of foreign bodies in the nasal passage of children induces repeated infections.

• Respiratory Disorders: Bronchiectasis frequently causes recurrent upper respiratory tract infections and is often diagnosed late.

• Cystic Fibrosis: The condition is often diagnosed in early adulthood and is a common cause of recurrent respiratory infections. Prompt diagnosis is necessary to improve the patient’s survivability.

Weak Immune System: A weak immune system increases an individual's vulnerability to viral or bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency virus), immunodeficiency disorders, or immunosuppression drugs can weaken the immune system and enhance the risk.

Allergies: Hay fever or other allergic disorders cause chronic inflammation and congestion of the nose, which enhances the patient’s susceptibility to repeated infections.

Environmental Conditions: The presence of allergens, pollutants, or irritants in the air increases the risk of developing upper respiratory tract infections.

What Are the Risk Factors for Developing Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections?

The risk factors for developing recurrent infections are:

• Increased exposure to infectious organisms can happen when the individual works or lives in crowded areas, works in daycare, or has young children.

• Individuals with smoking habits or secondhand smoke exposure are at risk of infection.

• The risk of developing infections increases during the winter months.

• Individuals with dry mucous membranes.

• Individuals are allergic to dust, pollen, or mold.

• Sleep deprivation.

• Lung diseases or bronchiectasis.

• Difficulty in swallowing.

What Are the Symptoms of Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infections?

The symptoms of recurrent upper respiratory tract infections are mild to moderate and often self-limiting. However, upper respiratory tract infections cause work absence, reduced health quality, and increased treatment costs. Some of the symptoms are:

• Runny Nose: The initial symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection are inflammation and mucous discharge.

• Sneezing: Irritation of the nasal passages or inflammation can cause continuous bouts of sneezing.

• Pharyngitis: Infection affecting the throat causes soreness, discomfort, and scratching sensation.

• Cough: Some individuals develop dry or productive cough when the infection lasts longer.

• Nasal Congestion: Inflammation of nasal passages increases the patient's difficulty breathing normally.

• Post Nasal Drip: If mucus is produced in excess, it drips backward toward the throat and induces cough and throat irritation.

• Tiredness: Since nasal congestion can cause disturbed sleep, the individual may become tired.

• Watery Eyes: Viral or allergic infection of the upper respiratory tract can result in watery eyes.

• Headache: The body’s response to infection, nasal congestion, or sinusitis causes headaches in affected individuals.

• Fever: Bacteria-induced upper respiratory tract infection causes fever. Viral-induced upper respiratory tract infection can cause mild fever or absence of fever.

• Loss of Taste and Smell: Viral-induced upper respiratory tract infection can cause temporary loss of smell and taste.

• Sputum: Sometimes, a yellow or green mucus can develop due to infection in the upper respiratory tract infection.

• Lymph Node Swelling: Severe upper respiratory tract infection causes lymph node enlargement in the throat and neck.

How Is Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Treated?

Diagnosing the cause of recurrent infections and strategizing treatment helps manage the infection better. The treatment includes:

• Hygiene and Prevention: Proper hand hygiene, covering nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and avoiding contact with infected or sick patients will help reduce infection transmission.

• Vaccination: Flu shots or vaccination against other respiratory infections can reduce the infection risk.

• Lifestyle Modification: Avoiding smoking or being exposed to environmental factors can improve immunity and reduce the frequency of infections.

• Allergy: Avoiding allergens, allergy desensitization, and taking antihistamines or nasal steroids can prevent the individual from developing repeated infections.

• Better Immunity: Boosting the immune system naturally can help fight infections. In the case of immunodeficiency, implementing immune-modulating treatment or immunoglobulin replacement therapy enhances immunity.

• Antibiotics: If bacteria cause recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, antibiotics help resolve the infection.

What Are the Complications of Recurrent Upper Respiratory Tract Infection?

If the upper respiratory tract infection is untreated, frequent, or severe, there is a risk of further complications. Some individuals develop a secondary bacterial infection as the respiratory system defenses weaken with recurrent infection. It could cause the development of bacterial chronic sinusitis or ear infections. When sinusitis infection develops, the individual can experience facial pain, pressure, and nasal congestion. Most ear infections develop in the middle ear, a common complication among children. If the ear infections are frequent, they cause hearing problems requiring ear tube surgery.

Asthmatics who develop upper respiratory tract infections notice their symptoms worsen during or after the infection episode. The frequency of asthma attacks also increases. In some patients, the recurrent upper respiratory tract infection can further progress and infect the lower respiratory tract, causing bronchitis or pneumonia.

Conclusion

Recurrent upper respiratory tract infections frequently affect the nose, throat, and lungs. It develops when the body’s immune system cannot fight against the infection. Anatomical defects and a weak immune system are common causes of developing infections. Seeking medical help is essential, as recurrent respiratory infections can cause complications.