Praktické lekárnictvo 3/2020

Acute upper respiratory tract infections and its management

Acute upper respiratory tract (URT) infections are the most common diseases in which assisted self-medication is used with active participation of pharmacists. The article describes clinical signs and differential diagnosis of acute URT infections. The basis of rational management is early immunomodulatory treatment using support of body´s own natural antiviral immune mechanisms, symptomatic treatment, hygiene of the nasal cavity together with regime and general hygiene measures. Zinc has complex immunomodulatory and antiviral effects.

Keywords: respiratory infections, upper respiratory tract, common cold, immunomodulation, zinc, self-medication