Typical lower respiratory tract illnesses include –
           Pneumonia: Lung infection.
           Bronchitis: An infection of the bronchi.
           Bronchiolitis: An infection that primarily affects children’s smaller airways.
Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are usually caused by different types of germs (microorganisms), such as:
Viruses: These are the most common cause of lower respiratory infections, especially in children. Common viruses include:
           Influenza (flu) virus
           Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – especially in babies and young children.
           Coronaviruses (such as the one that caused COVID-19)
           Rhinoviruses (which cause the common cold)
Bacteria: Bacterial infections are often more serious than viral infections. Common bacteria include:
           Streptococcus pneumoniae (root cause of pneumonia)
           Haemophilus influenza
           Mycoplasma pneumoniae (can result in a condition known as “walking pneumonia)
Fungi: Fungal infections are less common but can also cause serious LRTIs, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
           Aspergillus or Histoplasma are examples of fungi that can infect the lungs.
The symptoms of lower respiratory chest infections can vary but commonly include:
In children or babies, additional signs may include-
How is Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Diagnosed?
Treatment for Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
Complications of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
If not treated properly, diseases of the lower respiratory tract can lead to complications like-
Prevention of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
To prevent lower respiratory infections –
Several factors can increase the risk of developing an LRTI:
• Age: Infants, children, and adults (especially over 65) are more vulnerable.
• Smoking: Smoking damages the respiratory tract and weakens the immune system.
• Weakened immune system: Conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or use of immunosuppressive drugs increase susceptibility.
• Chronic respiratory conditions: Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cystic fibrosis increases the risk of LRTIs.
• Previous respiratory infections: A history of pneumonia or bronchitis increases the risk of subsequent infections.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to air pollution, secondhand smoke, or crowded living conditions can increase the risk.
• Underlying medical conditions: Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity can increase the risk of complications from LRTIs.
The duration of an LRTI varies depending on the cause and the individual’s health status:
• Viral LRTIs (e.g., influenza, RSV) typically last from 7 to 14 days, but symptoms can linger for several weeks, especially the cough.
• Bacterial pneumonia may improve within 1-2 weeks with appropriate antibiotic treatment.
• Chronic conditions like COPD or asthma-related exacerbations may take longer to resolve.
In severe cases, LRTIs can lead to complications, including:
• Respiratory failure: Inability to breathe adequately, requiring mechanical ventilation.
• Sepsis: A life-threatening infection that can spread throughout the body and cause organ failure.
• Pleural effusion: Fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity around the lungs.
• Lung abscess: Collection of pus in the lung tissue.
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): Severe lung inflammation leading to fluid accumulation and oxygen deprivation.
• Chronic lung damage: Recurrent LRTIs can cause permanent damage to lung tissue in susceptible individuals.
Preventive measures include-
• Vaccination: Vaccines for influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia, and whooping cough can reduce the risk of LRTIs.
• Hand hygiene: Regular hand washing and avoiding contact with sick individuals can reduce the spread of viruses.
• Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking reduces the risk of developing respiratory infections.
• Respiratory hygiene: Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing helps prevent the spread of germs.
• Avoiding exposure: People with weakened immune systems should avoid crowded places during cold and flu seasons.
• Breathing exercises: These can help clear the airways, especially in people with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD.
Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
• Severe breath shortness or breathing difficulty
• Chest pain or tightness, especially with breathing or coughing
• Persistent fever, no improvement with over-the-counter medications
• Confusion, dizziness, or bluish tint to lips or face
• Persistent or worsening cough with sputum production
• Wheezing or coughing up blood
• Underlying health conditions: If you have chronic lung disease, heart disease, or a weakened immune system, you should seek medical help early.
Yes, it is possible to get an LRTI more than once. Some respiratory infections, such as viral infections, don’t provide lifelong immunity, so it’s possible to get infected with the same or different pathogens in the future. Individuals with chronic conditions like asthma or COPD are more susceptible to frequent infections.