Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are airway and lung infections affecting vulnerable populations, particularly young children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions. Common causes include viruses like RSV, rhinovirus, influenza, and adenovirus, as well as bacterial infections like Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Fungal infections can also cause LRTIs in some cases. Symptoms include persistent cough, dyspnea, chest pain, wheezing, rapid breathing, fever, fatigue, body aches, and headache. Diagnosis involves clinical assessment and diagnostic testing, including chest X-rays, sputum cultures, blood tests, and PCR tests. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are treated based on the specific pathogen and the severity of the illness. For viral LRTIs, supportive care includes rest, hydration, and medications. Antiviral medications may be prescribed for specific viral infections. For bacterial LRTIs, antibiotics are the primary treatment, with the choice based on the specific bacteria identified in tests. Completed antibiotic courses are crucial to eradicating the infection and preventing antibiotic resistance. In severe cases, additional treatments may be necessary, such as oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, or mechanical ventilation.
Mrs. Sindhuja Kaaparthi from Adilabad successfully received treatment for Lower Respiratory Tract Infection at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, under the supervision of Dr. Viswesvaran Balasubramanian MD, DNB, DM (Pulmonology-Gold Medal), Fellowship in Sleep Medicine (Gold Medalist), Fellowship in Interventional Pulmonology (Malaysia).