Respiratory infections still kill children

Many children are suffering from lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), says a pulmonologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr Michelle Dania.

Dania who spoke exclusively with The Nation, said more need to be done to reduce the rate of LRTI, especially as it affects the lower part of the airways and lungs.

According to her, any infection below the respiratory tract known as the larynx is the lower tract infection because it is close to the voice box. “Any infection above the larynx is an upper respiratory tract infection,” She added.

Dania, who is a consultant physician said there are tubes that take air into the lungs. They are the trachea, bronchi and the long parenchyma, he said, adding: “Infections affecting the tubes are mostly known as bronchitis or acute bronchitis. Bronchiolitis can be found in children less than two years.”

Dr. Dania said pneumonia, acute bronchitis and bronchiolitis are the most common types of LRTI. “Some people see influenza as LRTI whereas it affects both the upper and lower respiratory system.” she said.

She spoke of asthma as a non-member of lower respiratory tract infection. Why? “Normally, some infections can worsen the symptoms of asthma because it is not an infection per say. Asthma is not classified as LRTI unlike pneumonia.”

She said tuberculosis can be classified as lower respiratory tract infection because it has organisms which also cause infection in the lower part of the respiratory tract.

“LRTI generally are caused by organisms, viruses, adenovirus and bacteria,” she said.

The specialist listed cough, fever, abnormal breathing and restlessness as common symptoms of lower respiratory tract infection. “Fever is a major symptom and patient will need to take enough fluid to prevent dehydration,” she noted.