Lower respiratory tract infection caused by Haemophilus parainfluenzae
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Caused by Haemophilus parainfluenzae
Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) caused by Haemophilus parainfluenzae are serious illnesses that can result in difficulty breathing, severe coughing, and chest pain. These infections can be particularly dangerous for younger children and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to the bacteria that causes this infection.
Haemophilus parainfluenzae primarily colonizes the airways, but can also cause infections of the lower respiratory tract if it is drawn into the lungs during inspiration. Symptoms of a lower respiratory tract infection caused by Haemophilus parainfluenzae include:
- Coughing and difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
- Nasal congestion
In order to diagnose a lower respiratory tract infection caused by Haemophilus parainfluenzae, a doctor will typically take a sputum sample from the patient. This is then sent to a laboratory for culture and sensitivity testing to determine the exact type of infection and what medication will be most effective against it.
The typical treatment for a lower respiratory tract infection caused by Haemophilus parainfluenzae is antibiotics. Depending on the severity of the infection, doctors may prescribe oral or intravenous antibiotics. It is very important to finish the entire course of antibiotics, even if the symptoms have subsided, as this will ensure that all of the bacteria have been killed and the infection does not recur.
In some cases, a lower respiratory tract infection caused by Haemophilus parainfluenzae can be serious enough to require admission to the hospital. Treatment in the hospital may include intravenous antibiotics, hydration, and oxygen therapy. In extreme cases, an individual may need assistance from a ventilator. Taking steps to address any underlying medical condition or disease, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can help prevent lower respiratory tract infection caused by Haemophilus parainfluenzae.