What are lower respiratory tract infections?
Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are infections that affect the breathing tubes (trachea and bronchi) and the lungs. Bronchitis, acute bronchiolitis and pneumonia are all types of LRTI. What are the signs and symptoms of lower respiratory tract infections? Coughing and bringing up phlegm are most common symptoms of LRTI. The cough may linger even after the infection is gone, because the swelling in the airways can take a while to settle down. Other common symptoms are: fever shaking chills shortness of breath, worsened by exertion or mild activity Additional symptoms include: Sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse on breathing deeply or coughing Headache Excessive sweating and clammy skin Loss of appetite, low energy, and fatigue Confusion, especially in older people Wheezing – if there is bronchitis On examination, the doctor will be able to hear abnormal breathing sounds via the stethoscope. How are lower respiratory tract infections treated? Hospitalized patients wil
