What Is an Upper Respiratory Infection?
8. How Are URIs Diagnosed?
Most people who contract an upper respiratory infection know they have it and only go to the doctor when they are looking for relief from their symptoms. Diagnosis usually consists of a physical examination, assessment of medical history and sometimes testing.
The most common test is a throat, cheek or nasal swab, which can be used to determine if the URI is caused by a bacterial infection. If the doctor suspects pneumonia, a chest X-ray may be ordered. Less common are CT scans to diagnose sinusitis and throat X-rays to detect epiglottitis.
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