Upper respiratory tract infections (URI or URTI) are the illnesses caused by an acute
infection which involves the upper respiratory tract: nose, sinuses, pharynx or larynx. This
commonly includes: tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, sinusitis, otitis media, and the
common col.
Acute upper respiratory tract infections include rhinitis, pharyngitis/tonsillitis and laryngitis often referred to as a common cold, and their complications: sinusitis, ear infection and sometimes bronchitis (though bronchi are generally classified as part of the lower respiratory tract.) Symptoms of URI's commonly include cough, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, low grade fever, facial pressure and sneezing. Onset of symptoms usually begins 1–3 days after exposure. The illness usually lasts 7–10 days.
