Med. praxi. 2018;15(1):15-19 | DOI: 10.36290/med.2018.057

Lower respiratory tract infections and their complications

MUDr. Václava Bártů, Ph.D.

Pneumologické oddělení, Medicon, a. s., Praha

Respiratory tract infections are among the most common reasons for seeking care from general practitioners and paediatricians.They are usually of viral aetiology, but secondary bacterial infections are also frequent. In the case of recurrent infections, it is vitalto determine the cause that leads to repeated episodes of inflammation. Associated conditions, including diabetes mellitus, ischaemicheart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver disease, kidney disease, tumour disease, and immunosuppressivetreatment for various other conditions, represent a major risk factor that may seriously complicate respiratory tract disease to thepoint of a life-threatening situation. Their course can be affected positively by preventive strategies and appropriate treatment.

Keywords: respiratory tract infections, influenza, acute tracheobronchitis, acute bronchitis, pneumonia, complications of respiratory infections

Received: July 24, 2018; Accepted: August 15, 2018; Prepublished online: August 15, 2018; Published: March 1, 2018  Show citation