lower respiratory tract infection

A lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is a very broad term which can mean inflammation of the respiratory tract below the level of the larynx. This term may include a pneumonia (which is often given to described more organized consolidation within the lungs). There is also overlap with the terms large airways inflammation and the term bronchitis.

Lower respiratory tract infections can be caused by a multitude of organism. According to causative agent, it may be broadly divided into

  • viral lower respiratory tract infections
  • bacterial lower respiratory tract infections
  • other lower respiratory tract infections

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