A recap of LRTIs

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are any infections in the lungs or below the voice box. These include pneumonia, bronchitis and tuberculosis.

LRTIs CAN AFFECT the airways, pulmonary disease/chronic bronchitis challenges because of the difficulty in Macrolide antibiotics are tried and such as with bronchitis, or the air sacs (AECB), and acute exacerbation of differentiating infections caused by typical tested, and effective agents for the at the end of the airways, as in the case bronchiectasis. Acute LRTIs (ALRTIs) and atypical microorganisms and rising rates treatment of LRTIs. Clarithromycin, a of pneumonia. are one of the common clinical problems of antimicrobial resistance. Beta-lactam macrolide, offers several benefits in the LRTI is a broad terminology which in community and hospital settings. antibiotics, macrolides, and fluoroquinolones management of ALRTIs. includes acute bronchitis, pneumonia, Management of community-acquired are routinely prescribed medicines for the Risk factors that make a person more acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pneumonia (CAP) and AECB may pose management of ALRTIs. likely to develop a lower respiratory tract infection include: • A recent cold or flu • A weakened immune system • Being more than 65 years old • Being under five years old • Recent surgery.

DIAGNOSIS

A diagnosis is made during an exam and after discussing the symptoms the patient has and how long they have been present. Tests to help diagnose the problem include: • Pulse oximetry • Chest X-rays to check for pneumonia • Blood tests to check for bacteria and viruses • Mucus samples to look for bacteria and viruses.

UPPER vs LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS

LRTIs differ from upper respiratory tract infections by the area of the respiratory tract they affect. While lower respiratory tract infections involve the airways below the larynx, upper respiratory tract infections occur in the structures in the larynx or above. People who have LRTIs will experience coughing as the primary symptom. Patients with upper respiratory tract infections will feel the symptoms mainly above the neck, such as sneezing, headaches, and sore throats. They may also experience body aches, especially if they have a fever. Lower respiratory tract infections include: • Bronchitis • Pneumonia • Bronchiolitis • TB. Upper respiratory tract infections include: • Common colds • Sinus infections • Tonsillitis • Laryngitis. Flu infections can affect both the upper and lower respiratory tracts.