Lower Respiratory Tract Injection
Understanding Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
Lower respiratory tract infections are the fifth leading cause of death and, collectively, the leading cause of death from infections, accounting for 2.74 million deaths worldwide.
Acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRTI) are the leading cause of death among children under five years of age.
Identifying modifiable risk factors for severe ALRTI can help reduce the burden of disease.
Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), although often used interchangeably with pneumonia, may also refer to other types of infections, including lung abscess and acute bronchitis.
Influenza affects both the upper and lower respiratory tracts.
Causes
A lower respiratory tract infection is an infection of the airways and lungs.
This condition may be related to:
Viruses typically cause lower respiratory tract infections. These infections can also be caused by bacteria.
A cough is the main symptom of a lower respiratory tract infection. You may also experience shortness of breath, wheezing, and a tightness in the chest.
Untreated lower respiratory tract infections can lead to respiratory failure and death.
Risk factors
Risk factors for lower respiratory tract infections include:
• Flu
• Poor air quality or frequent exposure to lung irritants
• Smoking
• A weakened immune system
• Crowded daycare settings, which primarily affect infants
• Asthma
• HIV
Risk factors for severe acute lower respiratory tract infections in children under five years of age:
• Not receiving breast milk
• Upper respiratory tract infections in mothers
• Upper respiratory tract infection in a sibling
• Severe malnutrition
• Use of cooking fuels other than liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)
• Immunization that is not age-appropriate and a family history of lower respiratory tract infections are significant risk factors associated with acute upper respiratory tract infections
Prevention
Prevention of lower respiratory tract infections is primarily related to a healthy lifestyle and home care:
01
Getting vaccinated.
One of the best preventive measures against lower respiratory tract infection is to get a flu shot or flu vaccination every year. People at high risk for pneumonia can also get pneumonia vaccine.
02
Implementing hand hygiene in everyday life.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water to prevent the spread of bacteria, especially before touching your face and before eating.
03
If you have a respiratory infection, stay home and rest until you feel better.
Rest aids the recovery process.
Diagnosis
Typically, a doctor will diagnose a lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) by taking a thorough medical history—including the duration of symptoms and when they first appeared—conducting a detailed physical examination, and ordering additional tests if necessary.
There are several tests a doctor can perform if a lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is suspected:
01
Pulse oximetry.
This test uses a small sensor that is attached to a finger or ear. The sensor uses light to estimate the amount of oxygen in the blood.
02
Chest X-ray.
This test produces images of the lungs. The doctor can examine the images visually to look for signs of pneumonia.
03
Blood test.
A blood sample is taken and tested in a laboratory to detect the presence of viruses, bacteria, or other organisms.
04
Laboratory tests.
A sputum or mucus sample is collected and examined in a laboratory to determine the presence of bacteria.
Treatment
Many cases of LRTI resolve on their own without requiring additional treatment.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for LRTIs. Therefore, if you need treatment, your doctor will choose the approach that best suits your symptoms.
In general, treatment for LRTI includes:
• Lifestyle
- Drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest.
- Using a humidifier to breathe in warm, moist air can help relieve symptoms.
- Avoid cigarette smoke and other pollutants, such as chemical fumes.
• Medications
Because most LRTI cases are caused by viruses, medications are generally not used in their treatment.
However, some over-the-counter medications can help relieve symptoms:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin, can relieve pain and fever.
- Acetaminophen (paracetamol) can also help relieve pain and fever.
- Using a bronchodilator inhaler can help relieve wheezing and shortness of breath.
- If a lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may be prescribed, depending on the severity of the infection and your overall health. These medications treat the bacterial cause of the infection.
In severe cases of LRTI, hospitalization may be necessary.