Acute upper respiratory tract infections in adults: a multidisciplinary position statement for optimal symptom management in Asia-Pacific

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are among the most common acute illnesses worldwide and are usually viral and self-limiting. They present as clusters of concurrent symptoms that can substantially impair daily functioning, yet management often remains focused on individual symptoms and is limited by inconsistent assessment and escalation practices, underuse of guided self-management, and fragmented care across healthcare stakeholders. A targeted review of the published literature informed the identification of four key gaps in the management of uncomplicated acute URTIs in adults and the development of nine preliminary position statements and a management algorithm, which a multidisciplinary Asia-Pacific (APAC) panel of eight experts refined through structured, facilitated discussion. The statements emphasize that URTI management should address co-occurring symptoms concurrently to improve symptom relief and daily functioning. Assessment should consider the nature, severity, and duration of symptoms, supported where appropriate by evidence-based clinical algorithms or decision tools, and identify persistent or worsening symptoms and red flags requiring further evaluation or escalation. Treatment should be individualized according to predominant symptoms, safety, patient preference, treatment acceptability, and likelihood of adherence. Guided self-management should include appropriate over-the-counter and supportive therapies, education on the expected illness course, and safe treatment use, including avoidance of duplicate active ingredients and consideration of drug interactions, adverse effects, treatment duration, and contraindications. Coordinated care among key stakeholders is important to support consistent counseling and timely escalation. The position statements and management algorithm offer a practical framework for coordinated symptom management across care settings. Their implementation may help reduce unnecessary healthcare utilization and inappropriate antibiotic use and should be evaluated across APAC settings.