Respiratory Tract Infection

Your symptoms will vary depending on what type of RTI you have and which part of your body is affected. Generally, symptoms can include:

• a persistent cough

• coughing up yellow or green phlegm (thick mucus)

• breathlessness

• a tight chest

• wheezing

• sneezing or a stuffy or runny nose

• a sore throat

• headaches

• muscle aches

• fever

• fatigue

• sweating

• loss of appetite

• joint and muscle pain

The causes of an RTI can vary depending on whether it’s an upper or lower RTI. 

Upper RTI causes

Infections in your sinuses or throat can be caused by several bacteria or viruses, including:

• common colds

• flu

• COVID-19

• herpes simplex

• sinusitis

• tonsillitis

• laryngitis

• Streptococcus bacteria, such as group A strep

Lower RTI causes

Infections in your airways or lungs can be caused by several bacteria or viruses, including:

• flu

• COVID-19

• pneumonia

• bronchitis or bronchiolitis

• tracheitis

Risk factors

If you smoke, are over 65, have lower or compromised immunity, or have a medical condition such as lung disease, heart disease, or diabetes, you’re more at risk of developing an RTI.

If you suspect you may have an RTI, your consultant will see you for an initial consultation. They’ll ask you to talk through your symptoms and medical history. 

They may be able to make a diagnosis based on your symptoms and by listening to your chest using a stethoscope. In some cases, a chest X-ray, breathing tests, and testing samples of your phlegm may be necessary.

Once they have all the information they need to make an accurate diagnosis, your consultant will put together a treatment plan for you.

If you’re at risk of or keep getting RTIs, you may be able to minimise your chances of developing and spreading them by:

• getting an annual flu vaccine

• getting a pneumococcal vaccine

• wearing a mask if you’re unwell or around people who are unwell

• avoiding sharing food and utensils

• stopping smoking if you smoke

Most RTIs get better on their own without treatment and don’t lead to complications. 

However, if an RTI is more severe and left untreated, it can cause more serious health issues such as meningitis and sepsis. This can happen if the bacteria spread to other parts of your body. 

If you have an RTI that doesn’t resolve within 1 to 2 weeks or comes with severe symptoms, be sure to seek diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

The cause of your RTI will determine which treatment option your consultant recommends.

If your RTI is caused by a virus, such as a cold, you shouldn’t need prescription medication, and your symptoms should clear up within a few weeks. Your consultant may recommend nasal sprays, decongestants, and other over-the-counter products to help ease your symptoms.

If a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, is the cause, you may be prescribed antibiotics to help your body clear it.

At Welbeck, our respiratory specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.