Get Clinical Reasoning Handout: URI Symptoms Sore Throat

Upper respiratory infections (URIs) are infections of the mouth, nose, throat, larynx (voice box), and trachea (windpipe). URIs include nasopharyngitis (common cold), sinusitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, and laryngotracheitis.

The main symptom of pharyngitis is a sore throat, but you may also have other signs of an infection, such as a fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, and swollen glands in your neck. Your doctor will notice that your pharynx is swollen and red when looking at your throat.

URIs are characterized by rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, and sore or scratchy throat. They are caused by viruses. Symptoms and signs of pharyngitis include throat soreness or scratchiness, fever, headache, malaise, rash, joint and muscle pains, and cervical lymphadenopathy.

An upper respiratory infection affects the upper part of your respiratory system, including your sinuses and throat. Upper respiratory infection symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat and cough.

Acute upper respiratory infections (URIs) are among the most common viral illnesses and usually affect the nose and throat. They last up to 3 weeks and don't typically require medical treatment. URIs affect millions of people each year. They're usually caused by viruses but can also be caused by bacteria.

Chronic sore throat Red flags to be aware of: dysphagia, odynophagia, referred unilateral ear pain, bleeding, neck mass, weight loss or difficulty opening the mouth.

Bronchitis. Bronchitis is a chest infection affecting the large airways that carry air into your lungs when you breathe. Bronchitis is usually caused by a virus and often develops after a sore throat (pharyngitis), a cold, or 'flu' (influenza).

An upper respiratory infection affects the upper part of your respiratory system, including your sinuses and throat. Upper respiratory infection symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat and cough.