Symptom Finder - Treatment of Upper Respiratory Infection
UPPER RESPIRATORY INFECTION
1. Bed rest with vaporizer or humidifier to liquefy sputum.
2. Force clear liquids and no solids for 24–48 hrs.
3. Acetaminophen (Tylenol): 500–1,000 mg q4hrs PRN for pain and
temperature over 101 degrees.
4. Benzocaine lozenges for sore throat.
5. Phenylephedrine (Sudafed): 30–60 mg q6hrs for nasal congestion. Nasal sprays (e.g., phenylephrine) may be used but only for 2–4 days.
6. Guaifenesin + Codeine (Robitussin AC): 5–15 mL or 1 tablet q4– 6hrs PRN for cough.
7. Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles): 100–200 mg tid PRN for dry cough.
8. Check patients for viral influenza or streptococcal pharyngitis with rapid enzyme immune assay test and rapid strep test.
1. Bed rest with vaporizer or humidifier to liquefy sputum.
2. Force clear liquids and no solids for 24–48 hrs.
3. Acetaminophen (Tylenol): 500–1,000 mg q4hrs PRN for pain and
temperature over 101 degrees.
4. Benzocaine lozenges for sore throat.
5. Phenylephedrine (Sudafed): 30–60 mg q6hrs for nasal congestion. Nasal sprays (e.g., phenylephrine) may be used but only for 2–4 days.
6. Guaifenesin + Codeine (Robitussin AC): 5–15 mL or 1 tablet q4– 6hrs PRN for cough.
7. Benzonatate (Tessalon Perles): 100–200 mg tid PRN for dry cough.
8. Check patients for viral influenza or streptococcal pharyngitis with rapid enzyme immune assay test and rapid strep test.
