Quick read
Key points
- 1
Respiratory tract infections affect any part of the airways, from the nose and throat (upper respiratory tract) down to the lungs (lower respiratory tract). Common examples include colds, sore throats, sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
- 2
Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
- 3
Symptoms last longer than three weeks without improving
01 · Know
What is Respiratory tract infections?
Respiratory tract infections affect any part of the airways, from the nose and throat (upper respiratory tract) down to the lungs (lower respiratory tract). Common examples include colds, sore throats, sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
Most upper respiratory tract infections are caused by viruses and clear up on their own within one to two weeks. Lower respiratory tract infections can be more serious and are more likely to need medical assessment, particularly in young children, older adults, or those with existing lung conditions.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Self-care advice
See a doctor if symptoms are severe, persistent beyond three weeks, or you're in a higher-risk group for complications.
03 · Act
When to see a doctor
- 1Symptoms last longer than three weeks without improving
- 2You develop a high fever, chest pain, or increasing breathlessness
- 3You're coughing up blood or thick, discoloured phlegm that's worsening
- 4A child, older adult, or someone with a long-term condition seems increasingly unwell
- 5You're unable to keep fluids down or show signs of dehydration
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Take these self-care steps
These measures can help ease symptoms, support recovery, and reduce the chance of things worsening — but they don't replace medical advice if symptoms are severe or persistent.
- 1Rest and stay hydrated.Fluids help thin mucus and support your body's recovery from the infection.
- 2Use over-the-counter remedies for symptom relief.Paracetamol, decongestants, or throat lozenges can ease discomfort while your body fights the infection.
- 3Avoid smoking and smoky environments.Smoke irritates the airways further and can slow recovery.
- 4Practise good hygiene.Covering coughs and sneezes and washing hands regularly helps prevent spreading the infection to others.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- HSE: Respiratory tract infections ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Most respiratory tract infections are viral and resolve on their own with rest, fluids, and simple symptom relief within one to two weeks.
Antibiotics don't work against viral infections, which cause the vast majority of respiratory tract infections, so they're not usually needed.