Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
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Get to know more about Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTI) are defined as infections that affect the airways (below the level of the larynx), including the trachea and the alveolar sacs.1
LRTI are characterized in many ways. Acute infections that impact the airways include acute bronchitis, bronchiolitis and influenza, whereas acute infections that affect the alveolar sacs can include pneumonia.1
Types of LRTI2
- Acute bronchitis: A short-term infection of the airways
- Influenza: The most complex forms of this infection are seen in people over the age of 65 years, children under the age of 2 years and people of any age with certain existing medical conditions
- Pneumonia: An infection of lung
Symptoms1,2
- Wheezing
- Cough
- Fever
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Breathlessness
- Congestion or running nose
- Chest pain
Causes2
Bacteria and viruses are tiny organisms that cause infections. Numerous different types of organisms are all around us. When a person with the virus coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets of the virus are spread to other persons. Antibodies are produced by infected individuals to combat the virus. If they are infected again, they will be able to combat it once they have conquered this strain. The body might not have the appropriate antibodies to combat the virus again if it evolves into new forms over time.
