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Respiratory tract infections (RTIs)

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are infections of parts of the body involved in breathing, such as the sinuses, throat, airways or lungs. Most RTIs get better without treatment, but sometimes you may need to see a GP.

Check if you have a respiratory tract infection

Symptoms of a respiratory tract infection include:

  • a cough – you may bring up mucus (phlegm)
  • sneezing
  • a stuffy or runny nose
  • a sore throat
  • headaches
  • muscle aches
  • breathlessness, tight chest or wheezing
  • a high temperature
  • feeling generally unwell

How to treat a respiratory tract infection yourself

Most respiratory tract infections (RTIs) pass within 1 to 2 weeks. You can usually treat your symptoms at home.

Do

  • get plenty of rest

  • drink lots of water to loosen any mucus and make it easier to cough up

  • drink a hot lemon and honey drink to help soothe a cough (not suitable for babies under 1 year old)

  • gargle with warm salty water if you have a sore throat (children should not try this)

  • raise your head up while sleeping using extra pillows to make breathing easier and clear your chest of mucus

  • use painkillers to bring down a fever and help ease a sore throat, headaches and muscle pain

Don’t

  • do not let children breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water as there's a risk of scalding

  • do not give aspirin to children under 16

  • do not smoke – it can make your symptoms worse

How to make a hot lemon and honey drink
  1. Squeeze half a lemon into a mug of boiled water
  2. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of honey
  3. Drink while still warm

Do not give hot drinks to small children.

How to gargle with salt water
  1. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water – warm water helps salt dissolve
  2. Gargle with the solution then spit it out – do not swallow it
  3. Repeat as often as you like

A pharmacist can help with an RTI

A pharmacist can suggest treatments to help relieve your symptoms, such as decongestants and nasal sprays.

You can also buy cough medicines and throat lozenges, although there's little evidence to show they help.

Some treatments contain paracetamol and ibuprofen.

If you're taking these medicines separately, be careful not to take more than the recommended dose.

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.

Find a pharmacy

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

You have symptoms of a respiratory tract infection and:

  • you feel very unwell or your symptoms get worse
  • you've had a high temperature for more than 3 days
  • you cough up blood or bloodstained mucus
  • you've had a cough for more than 3 weeks
  • you're pregnant
  • you're over 65
  • 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

You may have pneumonia if your symptoms are severe.

Treatment for a respiratory tract infection from a GP

Treatment for a respiratory tract infection (RTI) will depend on the cause of your infection.

If your RTI is caused by a virus (like the common cold), it will usually clear up by itself after a few weeks. Antibiotics will not help.

If your RTI is caused by bacteria (like pneumonia), a GP may prescribe antibiotics. Make sure you complete the whole course as advised by a GP, even if you start to feel better.

Sometimes a sample of your mucus may need to be tested to see what's causing your RTI.

Important: Use of antibiotics

Antibiotics are only used to treat bacterial infections. They're not used for treating viral infections because they do not work for this type of infection.

How to avoid spreading a respiratory tract infection

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are often spread in the coughs and sneezes of someone with an infection.

To reduce the chance of passing an RTI on to others:

  • cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
  • wash your hands regularly
  • throw away used tissues immediately

How to avoid getting a respiratory tract infection

If you keep getting respiratory tract infections or you're at a high risk of getting one (for example, because you're over the age of 65 or have a serious long-term health condition), you should:

Types of respiratory tract infection

There are several different types of respiratory tract infection (RTI). They're usually grouped into upper RTIs and lower RTIs.

Upper RTI affect the sinuses and throat. They include:

Lower RTIs affect the airways and lungs. They include:

Flu and COVID-19 can both be upper or lower RTIs.

Lower RTIs tend to last longer and can be more serious.

Page last reviewed: 23 December 2024
Next review due: 23 December 2027