Lower respiratory tract infection

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

While often used as a synonym for pneumonia, the rubric of lower respiratory tract infection can also be applied to other types of infection including lung abscess, acute bronchitis, and emphysema.

Lower respiratory tract infection is commonly known as the most prolific cause of death amongst all infectious diseases. Bronchitis affects over 40 adults per 1000 each year. Since 1993 there has been a slight reduction in the total number of deaths from lower respiratory tract infection. However in 2002 they were still the leading cause of deaths among all infectious diseases accounting for 3.9 million deaths worldwide and 6.9% of all deaths that year.

There are a number of acute and chronic infections that can affect the lower respiratory tract. Antibiotics are often thought to be the first line treatment in lower respiratory tract infections however these are not indicated in viral infections. It is important to use appropriate antibiotic selection based on the infecting organism and to ensure this therapy changes with the evolving nature of these infections and the emerging resistance to conventional therapies.

Lower respiratory tract infections place a considerable strain on the health budget and are generally more serious than upper respiratory infections.

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Lower respiratory tract infection includes:

• Bronchitis
• Pneumonia
• Lung abscess
• Emphysema

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Main article: Bronchitis

Bronchitis can be classified as either acute or chronic. It is transient inflammation of the major bronchi and trachea. Acute bronchitis can be defined as acute bacterial or viral infection of the larger airways in healthy patients with no history of recurrent disease.

Main article: Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a serious infection of the small bronchioles and alveoli that can involve the pleura. It occurs in a variety of situations and treatment must vary according to the situation. It is classified as either community or hospital acquired depending on where the patient contracted the infection. It is very life-threatening in the elderly or people with illnesses that affect the immune system (diabetes). Pneumonia is also the leading cause of death in children less than fives years of age. The most common cause of pneumonia is pneumococcal bacteria, Streptococcus pneumoniae which accounts for two- thirds of bacteremic pneumonias. H.influenzae and M.catarrhalis are of increasing importance in both community acquired pneumonia (CAP) and acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB) while the importance of S.pneumoniae is declining. Atypical pathogens such as C.pneumoniae, M.pneumoniae and L.pneumophila, in CAP also appear to be of importance. These account for a dangerous type of lung infection with a mortality rate of around 25%.

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

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Lower respiratory tract infection is commonly known as the most prolific cause of death amongst all infectious diseases. Bronchitis affects over 40 adults per 1000 each year. Since 1993 there has been a slight reduction in the total number of deaths from lower respiratory tract infection. However in 2002 they were still the leading cause of deaths among all infectious diseases accounting for 3.9 million deaths worldwide and 6.9% of all deaths that year.

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