Upper respiratory infections Treatment in West Hollywood
Colds, sinus infections, sore throats and related illnesses can disrupt your work, sleep and daily routine. Dr. Elena Chetver provides careful primary care in West Hollywood to find the cause, relieve symptoms and help you recover safely.
Understanding Upper respiratory infections
An upper respiratory infection (URI) is an infection of the nose, sinuses, throat, and voice box. The common cold is the best-known example, but the category also includes sinusitis, pharyngitis (sore throat), laryngitis, tonsillitis, and sometimes influenza or COVID-19 when symptoms are concentrated in the upper airway. They are among the most frequent reasons people seek medical care. Adults typically catch several colds each year, and children catch more. While most cases are mild, they cause missed work, poor sleep, and days of feeling run down, and they can sometimes lead to complications.
Most upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses such as rhinovirus, coronavirus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and influenza. Bacteria, including group A Streptococcus, are responsible for a smaller share, such as strep throat and some sinus and ear infections. Germs spread through droplets from coughing and sneezing, and by touching contaminated surfaces and then your face. Risk increases with close contact with others, travel, crowded indoor settings, poor sleep, high stress, smoking, and seasonal changes. People with asthma, allergies, chronic lung disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems are more likely to have longer or more serious illness.
Professional evaluation matters because similar symptoms can come from very different causes. Telling a viral cold from strep throat, influenza, COVID-19, allergies, or a bacterial sinus infection determines whether testing or medication is useful. Careful assessment also helps avoid unnecessary antibiotics, which do not help viral illness and can cause side effects and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Timely care can shorten suffering, protect people around you, and catch complications such as pneumonia, ear infections, or worsening asthma before they become serious.
Signs & Symptoms of Upper respiratory infections
- Runny or stuffy nose. Swollen nasal lining produces mucus and makes breathing through the nose difficult.
- Sore or scratchy throat. Irritation of the throat often appears first and may make swallowing uncomfortable.
- Cough. A dry or mucus-producing cough can linger for one to three weeks after other symptoms fade.
- Sneezing. Sneezing is the body’s reflex to clear irritants and viral particles from the nasal passages.
- Facial pressure or congestion. Inflamed sinuses can cause a sense of fullness around the cheeks, eyes and forehead.
- Mild fever. A low-grade temperature is common, especially early in a viral illness or in children.
- Hoarse voice. Inflammation of the voice box can make your voice raspy or weak.
- Fatigue and body aches. Your immune response can leave you tired and achy for several days.
What to Expect
- Careful evaluation to find the cause of your symptoms
- Rapid tests for strep, influenza, or COVID-19 when helpful
- Treatment matched to your diagnosis, with antibiotics only when there is a clear reason
- Guidance on managing symptoms and which signs mean you should contact us
- Follow-up to confirm you are recovering as expected
How We Treat Upper respiratory infections
Assessment
We review your symptoms, how long they have lasted, your medical history, and any exposures. We examine your ears, nose, throat, and lungs. When it helps, we use rapid tests for strep, influenza, or COVID-19 to identify the cause.
Treatment Plan
You receive a plan matched to your diagnosis, health conditions, and medications. We explain what is likely to help and what will not. You leave knowing how to manage symptoms and which signs mean you should contact us.
Ongoing Care
We follow up to check that you are recovering as expected. If symptoms linger or return, we look for underlying causes such as allergies, reflux, or asthma. We also discuss prevention, including vaccines and healthy habits.
Benefits
A Personalized Care Plan
Your plan reflects your symptoms, health history, and daily life rather than a one-size-fits-all script.
Thorough Time to Ask Questions
We take time to explain what is going on and answer your questions about treatment options.
Coordinated Follow-Up
We check on your progress and adjust care if you are not improving, so nothing is left unresolved.
Your Treatment Journey
First Evaluation (Week 1)
We discuss your symptoms, examine you, and test if needed. Many people start to feel better within several days, with a cold typically peaking around days two to four.
Treatment Begins (Weeks 2-4)
Most infections resolve in this window. A cough or mild congestion can persist for a couple of weeks. If you are not improving, contact us to reassess.
Progress Review (Month 2-3)
If infections keep returning or symptoms never fully clear, we review for allergies, chronic sinus disease, asthma, or other contributors.
Long-term Management
For frequent infections, we focus on prevention, vaccines, managing chronic conditions, and a plan for when to seek care.
Warning Signs That Need Prompt Care
High or persistent fever. A fever that stays high or lasts more than three days deserves a medical evaluation.
Shortness of breath. Difficulty breathing or wheezing may signal pneumonia, asthma flare or another lower airway problem.
Symptoms beyond 10 days. Illness without improvement after 10 days may suggest a bacterial sinus infection.
Symptoms that improve, then worsen. A second decline after initial recovery can point to a secondary bacterial infection.
Severe sore throat with trouble swallowing. Intense pain, drooling or inability to swallow may indicate strep throat or an abscess.
Severe headache or stiff neck. These can be signs of a more serious infection that needs urgent attention.
Ear pain or drainage. Middle ear infections can follow a cold and may need treatment.
Chest pain or confusion. Seek emergency care right away if these occur.
If you recognize these signs, help is available. Early treatment leads to better outcomes.
Evidence-Based Treatment
Treatment is evidence-based and tailored to the cause. For viral infections, supportive care is the standard: rest, fluids, saline nasal rinses, humidified air, honey for cough in adults, and acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever when appropriate. Decongestants, nasal steroid sprays, or antihistamines may be considered for selected symptoms. Strep throat is treated with an antibiotic after a positive test, and bacterial sinusitis is treated with antibiotics when symptoms are severe or prolonged. Antiviral medication may be an option for influenza or COVID-19 when started early, particularly for people at higher risk. Antibiotics are used only when there is a clear reason.
Why Choose Elena Chetver, MD for Upper respiratory infections Treatment
A Personalized Care Plan
Thorough Time to Ask Questions
Coordinated Follow-Up
Common Questions About Upper respiratory infections
How long does treatment for an upper respiratory infection take?
Most viral infections improve within seven to ten days, though a cough can linger longer. Bacterial infections treated with an appropriate antibiotic often improve within a few days of starting treatment. Your visit will cover what recovery should look like for you.
Is medication required?
Often it is not. Most upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses, which do not respond to antibiotics. Rest, fluids and symptom relief are the foundation of care. Medication is considered when there is evidence of a bacterial infection, strep throat, influenza or another condition where it helps.
Does insurance cover treatment?
Coverage varies by plan, and the practice’s website does not list which plans are accepted. Please call the office to ask about billing and coverage before your visit.
What if the first treatment does not work?
Let us know if you are not improving as expected. We will reassess, consider other causes such as allergies, a bacterial infection, or a lower airway problem, and adjust the plan or order further testing when appropriate.
When should I see a doctor instead of waiting it out?
Seek care for a high or lasting fever, symptoms beyond 10 days, a worsening course after initial improvement, trouble breathing, or severe throat or ear pain. If you have asthma, COPD, a weakened immune system or are pregnant, evaluate earlier.
How can I avoid spreading the infection?
Wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, stay home while you have a fever, and avoid sharing cups and utensils. Staying current on recommended vaccines, including influenza, also helps lower your risk.
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