Management of acute upper respiratory tract infection: the role of early intervention

Abstract

Introduction: Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is an illness caused by an acute infection by viruses or bacteria of the nose, sinuses, pharynx, and larynx. Most URTIs are short, mild, and self-limiting, but some can lead to serious complications, resulting in heavy social and economic burden on individuals and society.

Areas covered: This article presents the management guidelines and consensus established through the Delphi method during an expert roundtable conducted in November 2020 and results of a targeted literature review.

Expert opinion: The current acute URTI management strategies aim toward symptom alleviation and prevention of URTI virus transmission. The effectiveness of these strategies is highly increased with early intervention, administered prior to the peaking of viral shedding. This reduces the chances of developing a full-blown acute URTI, decreases symptom severity, and reduces viral transmission. Mucoadhesive gel nasal sprays have shown promising results for early intervention of acute URTI. They act by creating a barrier that can trap virus particles, thereby preventing invasion of the mucosa by the virus. Additionally, they deliver broad spectrum activity that is effective against a wide variety of pathogens that cause acute URTI. Acute URTI warrants greater attention and proactive management in reducing its burden.

Keywords: Acute URTI; HPMC; acute URTI early intervention; acute URTI management; acute URTI risk group; acute upper respiratory tract infection; acute urti treatment; hydroxypropyl methylcellulose; mucoadhesive gel nasal spray.