Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI)

What is Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI)?

Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI) is an infection of the lower airways including the lungs, bronchi, and trachea. It is the second most common type of respiratory tract infection, after upper respiratory tract infections.

Causes of Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

The most common causes of Lower Respiratory Tract Infection are viruses and bacteria, including those that cause the common cold, the flu, pneumonia, and whooping cough. Some other causes of LRTI include tobacco smoke, chemical fumes, air pollution, and poor ventilation.

Symptoms of Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

Coughing with or without mucus
Trouble breathing
Chest pain or tightness
Fever
Fatigue
Headache
Wheezing
Shortness of breath

Diagnosis and Treatment of Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

Your doctor may use chest X-rays, a physical examination, blood tests, and sputum tests to diagnose LRTI. Treatment for Lower Respiratory Tract Infection depends on the cause. Common treatments include antibiotics, antiviral medications, bronchodilators, and corticosteroids. Oxygen therapy may be needed if you have trouble breathing.

Prevention of Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

You can help prevent Lower Respiratory Tract Infections by:

Regularly washing your hands to get rid of germs that cause infections
Avoiding close contact with people who are ill
Maintaining good health by getting enough rest and proper nutrition, and avoiding tobacco smoke and other air pollutants
Getting the appropriate vaccinations to prevent certain types of LRTI