Respiratory Tract Infections in Adults

In more than half of the cases, the causative agent is some type of rhinovirus. There is currently no specific treatment for these viruses . Viral infections should be differentiated from bacterial ones. Rule out streptococcal tonsillitis , maxillary sinusitis and other bacterial diseases. Avoid unnecessary antimicrobial drugs . A cough or bronchial rales (symptoms and signs of bronchitis) are not an indication for antibiotics . Identify recurrent or chronic infections. Advise the patient to stop smoking.