Patients seeking primary care often have upper respiratory symptoms caused by viral infection. Most patients are diagnosed based on medical interviews and physical examinations ; however, such diagnoses are often based on experience, and education for younger physicians regarding such patients is often insufficient. This review addresses evidence related to history and physical findings of cough, sore throat, and nasal discharge. We reviewed differential diagnosis of cough, as well as select diagnosis, including the common cold, acute bacterial sinusitis, Bordetella pertussis infection, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Sore throat is similarly reviewed through differential diagnosis and select diagnosis, including Streptococcal (group A) infection, infectious mononucleosis, and Mycoplasma and Chlamydia. Nasal discharge is reviewed in terms of differential diagnosis and allergic rhinitis. Many histories or physical findings of upper respiratory symptoms are not supported by evidence, and further study is warranted.

Patients seeking primary care often have upper respiratory symptoms caused by viral infection. Most patients are diagnosed based on medical interviews and physical examinations ; however, such diagnoses are often based on experience, and education for younger physicians regarding such patients is often insufficient. This review addresses evidence related to history and physical findings of cough, sore throat, and nasal discharge. We reviewed differential diagnosis of cough, as well as select diagnosis, including the common cold, acute bacterial sinusitis, Bordetella pertussis infection, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Sore throat is similarly reviewed through differential diagnosis and select diagnosis, including Streptococcal (group A) infection, infectious mononucleosis, and Mycoplasma and Chlamydia. Nasal discharge is reviewed in terms of differential diagnosis and allergic rhinitis. Many histories or physical findings of upper respiratory symptoms are not supported by evidence, and further study is warranted.