04/07/2023
LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS
Lower respiratory tract infections are any infections in the lungs or below the voice box. These include pneumonia, bronchitis, and tuberculosis.
Symptoms of lower respiratory tract infections vary and depend on the severity of the infection.
Less severe infections can have symptoms similar to the common cold, including:
β’ A stuffed up or a runny nose
β’ A dry cough
β’ A low fever
β’ A mild sore throat
β’ A dull headache
In more severe infections, symptoms can include:
β’ A severe cough that may produce phlegm
β’ Fever
β’ Difficulty breathing
β’ A blue tint to the skin
β’ Rapid breathing
β’ Chest pain
β’ Wheezing
Upper vs. lower respiratory tract infections
Lower respiratory tract infections differ from upper respiratory tract infections by the area of the respiratory tract they affect.
While lower respiratory tract infections involve the airways below the larynx, upper respiratory tract infections occur in the structures in the larynx or above.
People who have lower respiratory tract infections will experience coughing as the primary symptom.
People with upper respiratory tract infections will feel the symptoms mainly above the neck, such as sneezing, headaches, and sore throats. They may also experience body aches, especially if they have a fever.
Lower respiratory tract infections include:
β’ Bronchitis
β’ Pneumonia
β’ Bronchiolitis
β’ Tuberculosis
Causes and risk factors
β’ Diagnosis
β’ Treatment
β’ Recovery time
β’ Prevention
β’ Complications
β’ Outlook
Lower respiratory tract infections are any infections in the lungs or below the voice box. These include pneumonia, bronchitis, and tuberculosis.
A lower respiratory tract infection can affect the airways, such as with bronchitis, or the air sacs at the end of the airways, as in the case of pneumonia.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a less severe lower respiratory tract infection can include a dry cough, a low fever, and a runny nose.
Symptoms of lower respiratory tract infections vary and depend on the severity of the infection.
Infections in the lower respiratory tract are primarily the result of:
viruses, as with the flu or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
bacteria, such as Streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus
fungal infections
mycoplasma, which are neither viruses or bacteria but are small organisms with characteristics of both
In some cases, substances from the environment can irritate or cause inflammation in the airways or lungs, which can lead to an infection. These include:
β’ To***co smoke
β’ Dust
β’ Chemicals
β’ Vapors and fumes
β’ Allergens
β’ Air pollution
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