Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms & Treatment

Respiratory Tract Infection Treatment Online

If you have a respiratory tract infection, you don't need to wait weeks to see a GP.

Our experienced UK doctors can see you face-to-face in the comfort of your own home, 7 days a week. Simply book an appointment on your smartphone, tablet or computer at a time to suit you.

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Our doctors are available from 7am to 8pm every day.

You won't need to take time off work, or use up your free time travelling to a surgery. You can discuss your RTI with a doctor at a time and place to suit you.

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3. Start feeling better

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What is a Respiratory Tract Infection?

Respiratory Tract Infections (RTIs) are a very common type of condition that affect any area of your body involved in breathing.

They're generally divided into Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (affecting the airways and lungs) and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (affecting the nose, sinuses and throat).

Our doctors will assess your symptoms and once they've diagnosed which type of RTI you have, they'll recommend the most effective treatment.

Symptoms: Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

Lower RTIs affect your airways and lungs. Examples include bronchitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis and bronchiolitis.

Common symptoms include:

A tight feeling in the chest
Breathlessness
Breathing faster than normal
Wheezing
Coughing (either with mucus or without)

Unsure if these are your symptoms?

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's very important that you see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis.

This is especially important if you're coughing up blood, as this is a sign that you might have pneumonia.

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Symptoms: Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

This type of RTI affects your sinuses, throat and nose. The common cold, tonsillitis, laryngitis and sinusitis are all examples of Upper RTIs.

Symptoms usually include:

Headaches
A runny and/or blocked nose
Sneezing
A sore throat
Aching muscles
Coughing

Unsure if these are your symptoms?

An Upper RTI can be a real nuisance, so if you notice any symptoms, book an appointment with Push Doctor straight away.

Our GPs will assess you and suggest the most effective treatment options available. Where needed, they can write a same-day prescription.

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Respiratory Tract Infection Treatment

RTIs can be caused by either viruses or bacteria. Before our doctors can recommend treatment, they'll need to diagnose what sort of RTI you have.

They'll discuss your symptoms with you during your consultation and use the information you provide to make their diagnosis and suggest effective treatment or medication.

What Causes Respiratory Tract Infections?

Respiratory tract infections can be passed on through contagious viruses or bacteria.

You can catch a virus through direct contact (such as someone's breath) or indirect contact (such as touching a surface that someone with a virus has touched).

As symptoms of viruses often take a few days to appear, it's very easy to become infected without realising.