AN OVERVIEW OF ANTIBIOTICS USED IN LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS (LRTIS)

Abstract

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs) refers to infection of the bronchi and lung parenchyma. It is a broad terminology which includes Acute Bronchitis, Pneumonia, Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease/Chronic Bronchitis (AECB) and Acute Exacerbation of Bronchiectasis. Early symptoms appear in nose and upper lungs like congestion. Smoking, chronic medical illness and long-term bedridden condition increase the risk of mortality. Various Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus Aureus, Staphylococcus Pneumonia etc) and Gram-negative bacteria (Haemophilus Influenza, Pseudomonas etc) are recovered from LRTIs. Beta-lactam antibiotics, Macrolides and Fluoroquinolones are routinely prescribed medicines for the management of ALRTIs. Change in antibiotic resistance patterns are a threat to its effective treatment. Hence there is increasing concern about antibiotic prescription in the community. The final goal is to promote the most appropriate use of antibiotics to maximize therapeutic outcome with minimize the development of antibiotic resistance.