Breathlessness
The extent of breathlessness caused by an upper respiratory infection depends on the severity of the infection. Still, as a general rule, this condition doesn’t cause enough breathlessness to require medical treatment.
Breathlessness is one of the more prominent symptoms of upper respiratory infections such as strep throat, pneumonia, and bronchitis. It is caused by inflammation in the throat and lungs, which makes it harder for these organs to work properly. This can result in coughing, which causes shortness of breath and more panting for air.
Treatment is usually limited to bed rest and drinking lots of fluids. Cough suppressants are also recommended to help relieve symptoms. However, if your cold progresses into an infection that causes severe breathing difficulty or other complications such as fever or dehydration, you should seek medical treatment immediately.
