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Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview

Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview

Upper respiratory tract disorders, including viral infections and allergic rhinitis, cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life. Managing these conditions involves a variety of drugs, such as antihistamines, intranasal steroids, decongestants, antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics. Specific examples of drugs in each category are provided.
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla. Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more like...

Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview

Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview

Lower respiratory tract disorders present challenges that often require skilled and nuanced approaches for effective management. Common ailments, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), have prompted the development of intricate treatment strategies involving bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, each tailored to ease breathing and revitalize the lungs.
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...

Common Respiratory Disorders

Common Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disorders, a prevalent health concern globally, are generally divided into two primary categories: upper and lower respiratory tract disorders. The categorization is based on the area of the respiratory system they affect.
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Decongestants

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Decongestants

Decongestants are a class of medications used primarily to alleviate nasal congestion, a common symptom resulting from allergies, colds, sinusitis, and other upper respiratory tract infections. These drugs work by activating α-adrenergic receptors, constricting small blood vessels in the nasal membranes. This action results in the opening of clogged nasal passages, thereby facilitating sinus drainage and relieving congestion.
Most decongestants are readily available over-the-counter in various...

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Sublingual Immunotherapy as an Alternative to Induce Protection Against Acute Respiratory Infections

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Published on: August 30, 2014

Tackling upper respiratory tract infections.

Arvind Manoharan¹, John Winter

¹Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.

The Practitioner

|December 21, 2010

Summary

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are common. Guidelines recommend careful assessment to determine if antibiotics or further investigation are needed, especially for at-risk patients, while most URTIs can be self-managed.

Area of Science:

General Practice
Infectious Diseases
Clinical Guidelines

Background:

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are the leading cause of general practice consultations.
Adults typically experience 2-3 URTIs annually, necessitating clear diagnostic and management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

To outline NICE guidelines for assessing patients with URTIs.
To identify patient groups requiring antibiotics, further investigation, or hospital referral.
To emphasize self-management and supportive care for uncomplicated URTIs.

Main Methods:

Review of NICE guidelines for URTI management.
Identification of criteria for immediate antibiotics or further investigation.
Categorization of URTIs based on recommended prescribing strategies.

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Main Results:

NICE recommends immediate antibiotics/investigation for systemically unwell patients, those with serious illness features, comorbidities, or specific age-related risk factors.
Antibiotics are considered for patients meeting three or more Centor criteria.
A no-prescribing or delayed-prescribing strategy is advocated for common URTIs like acute otitis media, sore throat, common cold, and acute bronchitis.

Conclusions:

Most URTIs are self-limiting and do not require antibiotics.
Reassurance, education, and symptomatic home treatment are beneficial for patients seeking consultation.
Accurate risk assessment is crucial to differentiate URTIs requiring intervention from those managed conservatively.