Lower respiratory infection

 CONTENTS

◆Definition

◆Etiology

◆Sign and symptoms 

◆Investigation

◆Treatment

◆Complication 

◆Classification 

◆Risk factors

What is  Lower respiratory infection?

Definition: Lower respiratory infections are common    during the colder months.

▪︎The most common lower respiratory tract infections are bronchitis, pneumonia, and bronchiolitis.

▪︎Viruses cause most lower respiratory tract infections, but bacteria can cause some pneumonias, which need treatment with antibiotics. 

Classification Of  Lower respiratory infection

Lower respiratory tract infections include:

◆bronchitis

◆pneumonia

◆tuberculosis

                                                            Bronchitis

is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. People who have bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discolored. Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic.

Often developing from a cold or other respiratory infection, acute bronchitis is very common. Chronic bronchitis, a more serious condition, is a constant irritation or inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, often due to smoking.

Symptoms

For either acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis, signs and symptoms may include:

Cough

Production of mucus (sputum), which can be clear, white, yellowish-gray or green in color — rarely, it may be streaked with blood

Fatigue

Shortness of breath

Slight fever and chills

Chest discomfort

Causes

Acute bronchitis is usually caused by viruses, typically the same viruses that cause colds and flu (influenza). Antibiotics don't kill viruses, so this type of medication isn't useful in most cases of bronchitis.

The most common cause of chronic bronchitis is streptococcus cigarette smoking. Air pollution and dust or toxic gases in the environment or workplace also can contribute to the condition.

Risk factors 

Cigarette smoke. People who smoke or who live with a smoker are at higher risk of both acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis.

Low resistance. This may result from another acute illness, such as a cold, or from a chronic condition that compromises your immune system. Older adults, infants and young children have greater vulnerability to infection.

Exposure to irritants on the job. Your risk of developing bronchitis is greater if you work around certain lung irritants, such as grains or textiles, or are exposed to chemical fumes.

Gastric reflux. Repeated bouts of severe heartburn can irritate your throat and make you more prone to developing bronchitis.

Complications

Although a single episode of bronchitis usually isn't cause for concern, it can lead to pneumonia in some people. Repeated bouts of bronchitis, however, may mean that you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease[COPD]

Prevention

▪︎Avoid cigarette smoke. Cigarette smoke increases your risk of chronic bronchitis.

▪︎Get vaccinated. Many cases of acute bronchitis result from influenza, a virus. Getting a yearly flu vaccine can help protect you from getting the flu. You may also want to consider vaccination that protects against some types of pneumonia.

▪︎Wash your hands. To reduce your risk of catching a viral infection, wash your hands frequently and get in the habit of using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

▪︎Wear a surgical mask. If you have COPD, you might consider wearing a face mask at work if you're exposed to dust or fumes, and when you're going to be among crowds, such as while traveling.

Treatment

1 =Drink a lot of water. Eight to 12 glasses a day helps thin out your mucus and makes it easier to cough it up.

2=Get plenty of rest.

3=Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen treat pain. ...

4=Use a humidifier or steam. ...

5=Take over-the-counter cough medicines.