Whether you’re suffering from a nagging cough, chest congestion, or shortness of breath, respiratory infections can severely disrupt your daily life. At mediDental care, we provide accurate diagnosis, targeted treatment, and preventative education for a wide range of upper and lower respiratory infections. As a leading provider of primary care in Astoria, we offer compassionate, fast, and effective care for colds, bronchitis, pneumonia, and more.
mediDental care is also equipped to diagnose and treat acute pneumonia, recognizing the importance of rapid intervention for severe cases to prevent complications. For information on handling dental emergencies, mediDental care also offers guidance to help you navigate urgent dental situations effectively.
If you’re struggling to breathe comfortably or your cold won’t go away, our team is here to help.
Respiratory infections affect the nose, throat, airways, and lungs. They may be caused by viruses—especially respiratory viruses, including common cold viruses—bacteria, or occasionally fungi, and range in severity from mild colds to life-threatening pneumonia.
The most common symptoms of respiratory infections vary depending on the type of infection, but often include:
Cold symptoms typically begin with a sore throat or a tickling sensation in the throat, and may progress to a runny nose and mild cough. These cold symptoms are generally milder and shorter in duration compared to more severe respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, which can present with more intense and prolonged symptoms.
Seek care if your symptoms are worsening after a few days or if you have trouble breathing.
| Condition | Cause | Area Affected | Duration | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cold | Viral | Nose and throat | 5–10 days | Rest, hydration, OTC meds |
Most colds resolve within 10 days.
|Bronchitis|Viral (mostly)|Bronchial tubes|1–3 weeks|Cough meds, fluids| |Pneumonia|Viral/Bacterial (bacteria are the most common cause in adults)|Lungs (alveoli)|1–4+ weeks|Antibiotics/antivirals|
Community-acquired pneumonia is the most common type of pneumonia, occurring outside of healthcare settings. For detailed, evidence-based information on pneumonia diagnosis, treatment, and management, refer to authoritative sources such as Goldman Cecil Medicine.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a respiratory infection—such as a sore throat, stuffy nose, or difficulty breathing—it’s important to seek non-urgent advice from a healthcare professional. A thorough evaluation can help determine whether your symptoms are due to a bacterial infection, viral pneumonia, or another respiratory virus. This is especially crucial for individuals with underlying health conditions like heart disease or those who have had an organ transplant, as they are at higher risk for severe symptoms and life-threatening complications. Early assessment helps identify the cause of your infection and guides the most effective treatment, reducing the risk of serious outcomes and helping you recover more quickly.
Our approach combines fast, accurate diagnostics with evidence-based treatment. We also provide guidance to reduce your risk of complications or recurrent infections.
Our clinic educates patients on strategies to prevent pneumonia and emphasizes disease control, following recommendations from health authorities. We stress the importance of washing your hands and practicing good hygiene to avoid spreading respiratory infections and limit the spread of illness.
When you visit your healthcare provider for respiratory symptoms, they will perform a comprehensive evaluation to pinpoint the cause of your illness. This includes a detailed review of your symptoms—such as sore throat, stuffy nose, or difficulty breathing—and a physical examination to check for signs of severe infection. The provider will consider your medical history, including any conditions like heart disease or organ transplant, which can increase your risk for complications. Identifying whether your infection is caused by a virus or a bacterial infection is key to developing the right treatment plan and preventing severe symptoms or life-threatening complications.
Sometimes, your provider may recommend on-site testing to confirm the diagnosis and guide your treatment. This can include chest X-rays or blood tests to check for bacterial infections like streptococcus pneumoniae, or to identify viral pneumonia. Rapid tests for the influenza virus may also be used to quickly determine if the flu is the cause of your symptoms. For those with a weakened immune system, additional testing may be necessary to rule out other infections or complications. Accurate testing ensures you receive the right care, whether your symptoms are due to a common cold, viral infection, or more serious bacterial infections.
After your evaluation and any necessary testing, your healthcare provider will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. If a bacterial infection is detected, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat bacterial infections effectively. For viral infections, over-the-counter options like cough medicine and pain relievers can help manage symptoms such as body aches, cough, and fever. Supporting your immune system is also important—get enough sleep, maintain a healthy diet, and avoid close contact with sick people to reduce your risk of spreading or catching infections. Practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands with warm water and using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, further lowers your risk of infection and helps protect those around you.
Recovery from a respiratory infection doesn’t end with your initial visit. Ongoing monitoring is essential to ensure your symptoms improve and to catch any signs of complications, such as community-acquired pneumonia or health care-associated pneumonia. Your provider may schedule follow-up appointments or check in with you remotely to track your progress. To support your recovery, drink plenty of fluids like warm water or tea to soothe a sore throat and help clear mucus. Using saline nasal sprays or a humidifier can relieve congestion and make breathing easier. By following your treatment plan and taking steps to strengthen your immune system, you can reduce your risk of severe symptoms, trouble breathing, or other complications, and make a full recovery from your infection.
We make it easy to breathe easier and feel better, starting with the care you receive at our clinic.
Don’t ignore that lingering cough or congestion. The sooner you get evaluated, the faster you’ll feel better—and avoid complications. Let mediDental care be your first stop for trusted primary care in Astoria.
📍 Located in Astoria, Queens
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Fast relief. Safe recovery. Trusted respiratory care from your local Astoria primary care team.
No. Most cases of bronchitis are viral and don’t require antibiotics. Pneumonia caused by bacteria does, but viral pneumonia may not.
If your symptoms worsen after 5–7 days, or you develop high fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain, seek medical evaluation.
If you have a fever, frequent coughing, or fatigue, stay home to recover and prevent spreading illness. Ask your provider for clearance if needed.
Yes. Vaccines can prevent severe respiratory infections and complications. We offer both on-site during flu season and by appointment.
If you have severe shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, or oxygen levels below 90%, seek emergency care immediately.
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2246 31st St, Astoria, NY 11105