Upper Respiratory Infection: Causes, Treatments, and What Works

When you feel that scratchy throat, stuffy nose, or nagging cough, you're likely dealing with an upper respiratory infection, a viral or bacterial infection affecting the nose, sinuses, throat, or voice box. Also known as URI, it’s one of the most common reasons people visit doctors—or skip the doctor entirely and grab OTC meds from the shelf. These infections aren’t just annoying; they’re contagious, widespread, and often mistaken for something more serious.

Most common colds, a type of upper respiratory infection caused by rhinoviruses last about a week. But when the infection moves deeper, it can turn into a sinus infection, inflammation of the sinuses often triggered by lingering cold viruses or bacteria, or even bronchitis, an irritation of the bronchial tubes that brings a persistent cough. Sore throats, especially those with white patches or fever, can signal strep—a bacterial form that needs antibiotics. The line between viral and bacterial isn’t always clear, and that’s why so many people end up taking pills they don’t need.

Antibiotics don’t work on viruses, yet they’re still overprescribed for upper respiratory infections. The real fixes? Rest, hydration, and time. Saline sprays help with congestion. Honey eases coughs better than some syrups. Steam and humidifiers loosen mucus. And yes, chicken soup? It actually has mild anti-inflammatory effects. What doesn’t work? Antibiotics for a runny nose, vitamin C megadoses, or echinacea that doesn’t match the strain you caught.

What you’ll find here are real comparisons: which meds actually help with congestion, when to suspect a bacterial infection instead of a cold, and what alternatives—like herbal remedies or home treatments—have real evidence behind them. No fluff. No hype. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what to watch out for when your symptoms don’t clear up.