What Are Respiratory Infections?
Respiratory infections affect the airways and lungs and range from mild conditions like the common cold to more serious illnesses such as pneumonia. Common respiratory infections treated by Dr. Rao include upper respiratory infections (URIs), acute bronchitis, bacterial and viral pneumonia, sinusitis (sinus infections), and streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat). Symptoms may include cough, congestion, sore throat, fever, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or facial pain depending on the type and location of infection.
Accurate Diagnosis Is Key
Many respiratory infections share overlapping symptoms, making accurate diagnosis essential for appropriate treatment. Bacterial infections typically require antibiotics, while viral infections — which are far more common — are managed with supportive care. Dr. Rao uses in-office testing, physical examination, and when necessary, imaging to distinguish between bacterial and viral causes, avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use while ensuring effective treatment when it is warranted.
Find Out Which Tests You Need, Book a Consultation.
What to Expect
Dr. Rao will evaluate your symptoms, review your health history, and conduct a thorough physical examination at your visit. Rapid in-office tests for influenza and strep may be performed to guide immediate treatment decisions. A personalized care plan will be developed based on your diagnosis, and follow-up will be scheduled for cases requiring monitoring — such as pneumonia or persistent bronchitis. Our patient portal makes it easy to update your care team on symptom progression between visits.