Lower Respiratory Tract Infection: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs) are severe infections of the lungs that can affect anyone. They are a significant reason for morbidity and mortality in children (below five years of age) and people (above 65) globally.

Lower respiratory tract infections cause difficulty breathing and may threaten the patient's life if left untreated. Keep reading to learn more about the causes of Lower respiratory tract infections, their definition, symptoms, types, diagnosis, prevention, medicine, treatment, and other important detail in this article. 

Lower Respiratory Tract Infection refers to infection of the body's airways. These infections develop below the larynx (voice box), including the trachea and the alveolar sacs in the lungs.

Different viruses and bacteria usually cause lower respiratory tract infections. LRTI is a contagious infection which means it can easily spread from one person to another through close contact.

Lower respiratory tract infection generally lasts from 7 to 21 days. However, if lower respiratory infections last for more than 21 days, it could be a sign of a severe lower respiratory tract infection. Hence, it's always best to seek medical care as soon as the patient feels the symptoms.

There are various types of lower respiratory tract infections. It depends on the kind of virus or bacteria that causes them. Many of them are treatable. However, if they remain untreated for a long time, they can cause severe health complications. 

The important types of lower respiratory infections are as follows: 

1. Pneumonia: It is a lower respiratory tract infection in which the air sacs in the lungs fill with pus or fluids. This condition could inflame one or both lungs. People with weakened immune systems and infants are more prone to pneumonia than others. 
2. Bronchitis: It is the swelling in the lining of the bronchial tubes, chiefly the large airways. Bronchial tubes bring in and take out the air from the lungs. Bronchitis is most common in older adults and infants under five years. 
3. Bronchiolitis: It refers to lung inflammation, especially of the small airways. Bronchiolitis is most common in infants and toddlers under two years of age. 
4. Tuberculosis: It is an infectious disease that affects the lungs. Tuberculosis can happen to people of any age group.

Other LRTIs include acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/chronic bronchitis (AECB) and acute bronchiectasis.

The most common lower respiratory infection symptoms are: 

1. Breathlessness
2. Dry cough
3. Stuffy nose
4. Sore throat
5. Low fever
6. Dull headache

The major lower respiratory tract infection symptoms are as follows:

1. Sneezing
2. Stuffy nose
3. Runny nose
4. Sore throat
5. Difficulty breathing
6. Headache
7. High fever (above 100 F)
8. Wheezing
9. Cough
10. Muscle pain

The major causes of lower respiratory tract infections are viruses and bacteria. However, the type of bacteria/ virus depends on the specific lower respiratory tract disease. 

The following are the major causes of lower respiratory infections: 

1. Bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumonia and  Streptococcus pneumonia (pneumococcus), Haemophilus influenzae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and so on.
2. Viruses, such as influenza and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). 
3. Fungal infection

Apart from these, environmental and artificial factors also cause lower respiratory tract infections. These are as follows: 

1. Air pollution
2. Tobacco smoke
3. Vapours and fumes
4. Allergens
5. Dust
6. Chemicals

There are several risk factors that make a person more likely to develop lower respiratory infections. Some of the lower respiratory tract infection risk factors include:

1. Weakened immune system
2. Being more than 65 years old
3. Being under five years old
4. Recent surgery
5. A recent cold or flu
6. Smoking

Lower respiratory tract infections are highly contagious, especially in small children and older adults. Nevertheless, there are a variety of factors that, if taken into action, can prevent lower respiratory tract infections from occurring. To prevent lower respiratory tract infection, one should follow the crucial guidelines listed below: 

1. Wash hands frequently, especially before eating food. 
2. Maintain distance from an infected person.
3. Cover the mouth while sneezing or coughing.
4. Get vaccine shots, such as MMR vaccines and pneumococcal vaccines.
5. Stay away from allergens, smoke, chemicals, and other harmful substances that can put one at risk of developing LRTI.
6. Do not visit an LRTI endemic area.
7. Avoid touching any objects, as they might be contaminated with bacteria or viruses.
8. Avoid chewing tobacco.
9. Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol.

A primary care physician generally diagnoses lower respiratory tract infections based on the symptoms and physical examination. For physical examination, the doctor will listen to the patient's breathing sound and pattern and check the patient’s history to track any past respiratory disease. 

However, the doctor might also conduct numerous medical examinations to determine the exact causative agent of the patient's lower respiratory tract infection. Some of them are as follows: 

1. Blood tests: To check for the vital measures and presence of bacteria or viruses in the blood.
2. Sputum test: To help detect the type of bacteria or virus causing lower respiratory tract infection.
3. Pulse oximetry: To check the oxygen level in the patient's bloodstream as lower respiratory tract infection causes difficulty breathing. 
4. Swab test: To confirm the possibility of a lower respiratory tract infection. 
5. CT scans and chest X-rays: To diagnose diseases like pneumonia and bronchitis.

Heart tests like Echocardiogram and Electrocardiogram can also be performed to rule out any chances of cardiac diseases. 

How to prepare for the doctor's consultation?

What should one do?

If a person notices any symptoms of lower respiratory tract infections, getting medical attention must be the prime priority. When the patient visits a hospital, try filling out all the registration formalities appropriately. Moreover, it would be best if the patient cooperates with the doctor. The patient must explain their past medical history and what exact symptoms they notice. 

What to expect from the doctor?

The doctor can perform physical examinations like checking breathing patterns. Also, the doctor can perform specific tests, such as

1. Xray
2. CT scans 
3. Pulse ox tests
4. Swab tests
5. Sputum tests

What questions to ask?

The patient's goal should be to clear all the doubts. The patient can ask disease-related questions, such as prevention factors and recovery period. Some questions that could be asked to the doctor include:

1. What's the recovery period of the lower respiratory tract infection?
2. Is there any need for surgery?
3. What is the nature and seriousness of the infection?
4. Is bed rest mandatory?
5. What foods to eat and what not to?
6. How can other family members save themselves from the lower respiratory tract infection?

Home Remedies for Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

1. Steam inhalation: The patient should take inhaling steams as this helps to clear the respiratory tract of any mucus. It relieves nasal congestion as well. 
2. Saline water gargle: Gargling with salt water helps relieve pain in the throat. It aids in thinning the mucus lining along the respiratory tract, too. 
3. Ginger: Ginger is antiviral and antimicrobial. Thus, patients can eat ginger every day to help treat the infection.
4. Saline nasal drops: These drops help clear the nasal passageways of any mucus.

Medications for Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

1. Allopathic Medicines
   1. Lower respiratory tract infections are often caused by viruses. Hence, antibiotics do not work against them. However, over-the-counter medicines for cough or fever can help with lower respiratory tract infections. Apart from that, patients can also take medication such as a bronchodilator inhaler. 
   2. Consult the doctor before taking any medicines for lower respiratory tract infections.
2. Ayurvedic Medicines:
   1. Tulsi: Holy basil or tulsi is an effective remedy to remove cough from the body. It also strengthens the immune system.
   2. Neem: It consists of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial characteristics. Thereby helping in lower respiratory tract infections.
   3. Giloy: It helps to remove toxins from the lungs. Giloy is beneficial in tuberculosis and asthma too. 
3. Homeopathic Medicines:
   Homoeopathic medicines are a great treatment for LRTI too. A few helpful homoeopathic medicines are as follows:
   1. Belladonna
   2. Adrenaline 
   3. Eriodictyon californicum
   4. Phosphorus
   5. Aconitum napellus

Always consult a homoeopathic doctor before taking any of the above medicines.

Other treatment methods for Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

1. To treat low levels of IV fluid in the body: Patients can receive oral medications
2. To treat high levels of IV fluid in the body: Patients can receive diuretics

1. Mechanical ventilation
2. Supplemental oxygen

Note: Please consult a doctor before giving the patient any of the above-mentioned treatments. 

If lower respiratory tract infections are not treated on time, they might lead to: 

1. Pus buildup (in lungs)
2. Inflammation in the lungs
3. Lung abscess 
4. Bronchiectasis 
5. Deafness

1. Respiratory failure
2. Respiratory arrest
3. Heart failure
4. Sepsis

When to see a doctor? 

Consult a doctor if the patient feels the following symptoms: 

1. Excessive cough
2. Unable to take liquid for 4-5 hours
3. Wheezing
4. High fever 
5. Patient Appears pale 
6. Feels difficulty breathing 
7. Grunts or wheezes

Staying hydrated and eating a diet rich in minerals and vitamins will help reduce the risk of developing any disease condition. Below are some dietary measures for people with lower respiratory tract infections.

1. Take diets rich in green leafy vegetables, cauliflower, cabbage, peas, broccoli, and spinach.
2. Eat fruits rich in Vitamin C such, as Kiwi, orange, and sweet lime.
3. Avoid refined and processed foods
4. Avoid dairy and high-fat products
5. Avoid sugar and high-sugar products
6. Avoid cold drinks, alcohol and caffeine

Lifestyle changes for Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

1. Start exercising daily. Do yoga and pranayama as it helps improve the breathing process and relieve mucus and nasal congestion.
2. Get 8 hours of good sleep.
3. Wear a face mask when going or doing outdoor activities.
4. Wash or sanitise the hands frequently.