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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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URI - Upper Respiratory Infection

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

The upper part of the respiratory system includes the ears, nose, sinuses, mouth, and throat. It also includes the main bronchi or windpipes, which are the air-carrying tubes in the chest. The upper respiratory system is the most commonly infected area in the body.

What is going on in the body?

The term upper respiratory infection (URI) includes the common cold, sore throats, and flu. URIs are usually caused by a virus but may also be due to bacteria or other organisms. An upper respiratory infection is rarely serious but often causes bothersome symptoms.

What are the causes and risks of the infection?

There are many different types of upper respiratory infections, including:

the common cold, usually due to a virus

the flu, or influenza virus infection, which causes more severe symptoms than a cold

acute sinusitis or chronic sinusitis, which involve the nasal sinuses

otitis externa, or infection of the outer ear

acute otitis media, or infection of the middle ear behind the eardrum

pharyngitis, or sore throat

acute bronchitis, an infection in the lower windpipes

croup, which is a viral infection of the main windpipe that is usually only seen in children

epiglottitis, a bacterial infection of the main windpipe that is more commonly seen in children

Other types of URI may also occur, but they are less common.

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