Zakażenia górnych dróg oddechowych – skojarzone leczenie objawowe i przyczynowe z perspektywy otorynolaryngologicznej

The high prevalence of acute upper respiratory tract infections renders their diagnosis and appropriate treatment a critical issue in the daily practice of primary care physicians. Owing to the predominant viral etiology of acute upper respiratory tract infections, it is often advisable to refrain from antibiotic therapy or postpone it while implementing solely symptomatic treatment. The reduction of swelling and congestion of the mucous membranes, as well as pain and fever, might be achieved through anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, vasoconstrictive, and secretion-limiting medications. As a complementary therapy, plant-derived medicinal products are increasingly recommended, which may improve the overall patient well-being and alleviate troublesome symptoms. This paper, which presents the optimal therapeutic approach (symptomatic treatment and causal therapy) based on the etiopathogenesis and clinical picture of upper respiratory tract infections, raises issues relevant to everyday practice, knowledge of which may facilitate therapeutic decision-making in primary healthcare settings.