Treatment and Management of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs), which occur when a pathogen infects the upper respiratory tract, are common ailments in children and adults and are a frequent reason for seeking medical care. Common URTIs include acute pharyngitis, acute sinusitis, acute otitis media, epiglottitis, croup, laryngitis, and the common cold. Pharmacists should be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of these conditions in order to properly refer patients. Also, because these infections are bacterial or viral in origin, it is important for pharmacists to identify when antibiotics are warranted and to practice good antimicrobial stewardship. Pharmacists can also be instrumental in recommending nonpharmacologic and adjunctive therapies, as well as suggesting vaccines that can help reduce the incidence of URTIs.