Lower respiratory tract

Influenza. The ACIP recommends annual influenza vaccination for all persons who are at risk from infections of the lower respiratory tract and for all older persons. Influen2a vimses types A and B are responsible for periodic outbreaks of febrile respiratory disease. 

Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Respiratory syncytial vims (RSV) causes severe lower respiratory tract disease in infants. It is the major cause of hospitalization in the United States (- 90,000 events/yr) and it has a high mortaUty rate in neonates and other high risk populations, such as the geriatric population (51). Development of an RSV vaccine has always been a major priority, however, earlier attempts have mostiy failed (70). 

Miller, F. J., Overton, J. H. J., Jaskot, R. H., and Menzel, D. B. (19851. A model of regional uptake of gaseous pollutants in the lung. I. The sensitivity of the uptake of ozone m the human lung to lower respiratory tract secretion.s and exercise. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 79. 11-27. 

Mr. Baker is prescribed azithromycin for a lower respiratory tract infection. The nurse tells Mr. Baker to take die drug on an empty stomach. Azithromycin is available in 250-mg tablets. The primary healdi care provider has ordered 500 mg on the first day, followed by 250 mg on days 2 to 5. How many tablets... 

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a severe lower respiratory tract infection... 

The nurse must not administer antihistaminesto patients with lower respiratory tract diseases If the nurse administers these drugs to patients with disorders such as asthma, the drying effect on the respiratory tract may cause thickening of the respiratory secretionsand make expectoration more difficult. 

Other disorders of the lower respiratory tract include emphysema (lung disorder in which the terminal bronchioles or alveoli become enlarged and plugged with mucus) and chronic bronchitis (chronic inflammation and possibly infection of die bronchi). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is die name given collectively to emphysema and chronic bronchitis because die obstruction to die airflow is present most of the time. Asdima diat is persistent and present for most of die time may also be referred to as COPD. 

Quenzer RW, Pettit KG, Arnold RJ, Kaniecki DJ. Pharmacoeconomic analysis of selected antibiotics in lower respiratory tract infection. Am J Manag Care 1997 3 1027-36. 

Infections of the respiratory tract are among the commonest of infections, and account for much consultation in general practice and a high percentage of acute hospital admissions. They are divided into infections of the upper respiratory tract, involving the ears, throat, nasal sinuses and the trachea, and the lower respiratory tract (LRT), where they affect the airways, lungs and pleura. 

Cantin, A.M., Hubbard, R.C. and Crystal, R.G. (1989). Glutathione deficiency in the epithelial lining fluid of the lower respiratory tract of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Am. Rev. Resp. Dis. 139, 370-372. 

Buhl, R., Vogelmeier, C., Critenden, M., Hubbard, RC., Hoyt, RF., Wilson, E.M., Cantin, A.M. and Crystal, RG. (1990). Augmentation of glutathione in the fluid lining the epithelium of the lower respiratory tract by directly administering glutathione aerosol. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 87, 4063-4067. 

Bronchitis 3 times in the last 6 years, last episode 6 months ago Hospitalized with viral lower respiratory tract infections twice at ages 2 and 4... 

Local host defenses of both the upper and lower respiratory tract, along with the anatomy of the airways, are important in preventing infection. Upper respiratory defenses include the mucodliary apparatus of the nasopharynx, nasal hair, normal bacterial flora, IgA antibodies, and complement. Local host defenses of the lower respiratory tract include cough, mucodliary apparatus of the trachea and bronchi, antibodies (IgA, IgM, and IgG), complement, and alveolar macrophages. Mucus lines the cells of the respiratory tract, forming a protective barrier for the cells. This minimizes the ability of organisms to attach to the cells and initiate the infectious process. The squamous epithelial cells of the upper respiratory tract are not ciliated, but those of the columnar epithelium of the lower tract are. The cilia beat in a uniform fashion upward, moving particles up and out of the lower respiratory tract. 

Sputum smears Lower respiratory tract smear on a microscope slide to determine the presence of organisms. 

Chap. 68 - Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Universal Program Number 014-999-07-083-H04... 

Synagis Pavilizumab Medimmune Prophylaxis of lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV virus in pediatric patients... 

Exposure and Bioavailability Issues. Primary routes of exposure to lead are via inhalation and ingestion. Lead exposure occurs through inhalation of airborne lead particles with deposition rates in adults of 30%-50% depending on factors such as particle size and ventilation rate (EPA 1986). Once deposited in the lower respiratory tract, lead appears to be almost completely absorbed (Morrow et al. 1980). 

Clear liquid with an odor that is a mixture of alcohol and ammonia. This material is hazardous through inhalation and ingestion, and produces local skin/eye impacts. Inhalation of the agent may cause irritation of the lower respiratory tract, coughing, difficulty in breathing and, in high concentration, loss of consciousness. It causes severe irritation in contact with the skin and eyes. If ingested it causes nausea, salivation, and severe irritation of the mouth and stomach. 

Signs and Symptoms Diagnosis of psittacosis can be difficult. There is a variable clinical presentation but may include fever, headache, muscle pain (myalgia), chills and upper or lower respiratory tract disease, and dry cough. Pneumonia is often evident in chest x-rays. 

---