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Respiratory Health

What should I do in case of Respiratory Tract Infection (RTI) symptoms?

In case of RTI symptoms, there are several things you can do1:

  • things you can do yourself to relieve symptoms
  • seek a pharmacist’s support  
  • see your general practitioner

Things you can do yourself1

Most RTIs resolve within one to two weeks. You can usually treat your symptoms at home. Here are the DOs and DON’Ts recommended.

DOs

  • Get plenty of rest
  • Drink lots of water to loosen any mucus and make it easier to cough up
  • Gargle with warm, salty water if you have a sore throat (children should not try this)
  • Raise your head while sleeping using extra pillows to make breathing easier and clear your chest of mucus

DON’Ts

  • Do not let children breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water, as there is a risk of scalding
  • Do not give aspirin to children under 16
  • Do not smoke. It can worsen your symptoms

Contact your GP if your symptoms are severe or do not improve within two weeks.2

Seek a pharmacist’s support

A pharmacist can suggest treatments to help relieve your symptoms. If you are taking these medicines separately, be careful not to take more than the dose recommended by the pharmacist.

Certain treatments are not suitable for children, babies, and pregnant women. Your pharmacist can advise you about the best treatment for you or your child.

Small tips:

  • Before your appointment, it might help to write down the details of your symptoms to help you remember them.
  • You can call your pharmacy or contact them online before going in person. You can get medicines delivered or ask someone to collect them.

Contact your GP if your symptoms are severe or do not improve within two weeks.2

See your general practitioner

In case of symptoms of RTIs, please refer directly to your general practitioner if:

  • you feel very unwell or your symptoms get worse
  • you cough up blood or bloodstained mucus
  • you have had a cough for more than three weeks.
  • you are pregnant
  • you are over 65 years
  • you have a weakened immune system—for example, because you have a condition like diabetes or you’re having chemotherapy
  • you have a long-term health condition, such as a heart, lung, or kidney condition

Small tip: Before your appointment, it might help to write down the details of your symptoms to help you remember them.

Do not hesitate to consult your doctor if you feel you have RTI symptoms are not going away. It might be a sign of a serious disease, which should be addressed as soon as possible.

References

  1. National Health Service, Respiratory tract infections (RTIs). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/respiratory-tract-infection/. Accessed October 28, 2020.
  2. Health Service Executive, Respiratory tract infection. https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/az/r/respiratory-tract-infection/. Accessed October 28, 2020
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