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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