LOWER TRACT INFECTION

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: An Overview  

Commonly known as LRTI, the infections of the lungs and region below the larynx are classified as lower respiratory tract infections. A common misconception about these infections is that they are only pneumonic infections. That is wrong since bronchitis and tuberculosis are also grouped under the umbrella of these infections.

More often than not, lower respiratory tract infections affect the airways or the air sacs, which then leads to difficulty in breathing and certain other symptoms that we talk about in the next section. However, what a patient suffering from LRTI has to be wary of most is the risk of complications. Things can take a very ugly route if a patient is not careful, some of these complications can prove to be life-threatening as well. These include congestive heart failure, respiratory arrest, lung abscesses, and sepsis i.e. blood infection. Even though a majority percentage of lower respiratory tract infections is uncomplicated, the risk of these complications cannot be ruled out at all.

Symptoms of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections 

Some of the symptoms that can give a clue about these infections include:

• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Mild fever
• Headache
• Laboured breathing
• Chest pain
• Wheezing

It is pertinent to mention here that some of these symptoms can become more intense in case of a severe infection.

Causes !

There are multiple causative factors at play when it comes to lower respiratory tract infections. Primarily, viruses like the Respiratory Syncytial Virus are responsible for these infections. However, certain bacteria like the Streptococcus aureus species can cause these infections as well, as do certain fungi. Sometimes, the reason for a lower respiratory infection isn’t a microorganism. Rather, non-living environmental agents can cause these infections as well. Here, we are talking about agents like tobacco smoke, dust, chemicals, vapours, and certain allergens in the air. As for the risk factors that can increase the susceptibility to lower respiratory infections, these include flu, surgeries, and is under 5 or over 65 years of age. One has to be wary of these risk factors all the time if not falling prey to lower respiratory tract infections is the objective.

Why Are Lower Respiratory Tract Infections So Dangerous? 

According to the World Health Organization, lower respiratory tract infections claim more than four million lives on average, every year[i]. While we are talking numbers, let us share some Pakistan-specific numbers as well. Pakistan is one of those countries on the global landscape which has a tough time managing its patient burden. Lower respiratory tract infection patients are no exception to this unfortunate reality, a tragedy that is reflected in the numbers shared by the Center for Disease Control & Prevention. According to CDC, lower respiratory tract infections are ranked third among the top ten causes of death in Pakistan. Almost 8% of the total deaths are because of these infections[ii]. These numbers are quite shocking, and demand a coordinated approach to tackle the curse of lower respiratory tract infections in the country.

Treatment of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections 

Management plus medication is the way to treat lower respiratory tract infections. When the lower respiratory infections are mild, you can rely on over-the-counter medicines for cough & fever. Drinking fluids will help your cause greatly as well. But visiting the doctor is the only option when things get out of hand. It is a must to get your doctor on board if you are over 65 years of age, have a weakened immune system, or are guardians of an infant who is suffering from a lower respiratory infection. Treatment costs are normally minimal when it comes to lower respiratory infections.