Lower respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, can be caused by viruses or bacteria and have similar symptoms. Antibiotics are effective for bacterial infections, but not for viral ones. Complications can arise, especially in children and the elderly, and hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases.
A lower respiratory tract infection affects the area of the respiratory system below the vocal cords. An example of a lower respiratory tract infection is pneumonia, which can be viral or bacterial in nature. Another lower respiratory tract infection is bronchitis, which can be characterized as acute or chronic. Also, bronchitis can be related to a virus or bacterial organism. Also, asthma or smoking can contribute to the development of acute or chronic bronchitis.
Treatment of respiratory infections depends on the organism responsible, the symptoms, and the patient’s age. If the lower respiratory tract infection is bacterial, antibiotics are usually effective in eradicating the infection and relieving symptoms. If your lower respiratory tract infection is caused by a virus, antibiotics will be useless, as they are only effective in treating bacterial organisms. Sometimes, however, bacterial infections clear up on their own.
Although the origin of a bacterial and viral lower respiratory tract infection differs, the signs and symptoms of the infections can be identical. Symptoms of both types of lower respiratory tract infection can include a dry or productive cough, fever, and occasionally a sore throat. Additionally, patients may develop a runny or stuffy nose, headaches, and body aches. Drinking plenty of fluids, taking pain relievers and fever relievers, and resting can also help relieve symptoms and speed recovery.
Sometimes, complications can result from a lower respiratory tract infection. This is especially concerning in children and the elderly. Because young children are unable to speak, a respiratory infection in children can make it difficult to recognize symptoms. For example, a young child may not be able to tell his parents that his throat hurts or hurts when he breathes. That’s why it’s so important for parents to call their pediatrician at the first sign of infection so that an effective treatment plan can be initiated.
In severe cases, people with lower respiratory tract infections may need to be hospitalized. When oral antibiotics and other treatments fail to improve, hospitalization, including a course of intravenous antibiotics, may be required. Additionally, intravenous fluids may be necessary for those who are sick enough to become dehydrated. Vomiting and diarrhea can sometimes accompany lower respiratory tract infections and, if prolonged, can lead to severe and sometimes life-threatening dehydration.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
