Definition & Etiology
Definition
- Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI): inflammation of the airways – Two main types:
- Acute bronchitis: inflammation of the large airways and trachea (viral)
- Pneumonia: inflammation of lung tissue (bacterial, usually community-acquired)
Prevalence
- More common in autumn/winter periods
Etiology
Acute Bronchitis:
- Primarily viral Pneumonia:
Bacterial: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Group A Streptococcus Atypical organisms:
- Mycoplasma pneumonia
- Legionella pneumonia
- Chlamydia pneumonia