Published Paper Details:

Lower respiratory tract infection occurs when there is an infection of the lungs, specifically in the lower airways. This infection is usually caused by a virus, bacteria or other less common organisms. LRTI includes Bronchitis, Bronchiolitis, Pneumonia. The most commonly prescribed drugs for LRTI include Cephalosporins, Penicillins and Macrolide antibiotics. Paediatric population are mostly affected by LRTI than adult and geriatric population. SF 36 QoL questionnaire is used to assess the health related quality of life of patients with LRTI. AIM: To study the prevalence, antibiotic prescribing pattern and health related quality of life in patients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infections. OBJECTIVE: o To assess the prevalence of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections. o To study the antibiotic prescribing pattern in the management of patients having Lower Respiratory Tract Infections. o To assess the quality of life in patients having Lower Respiratory Tract Infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prospective observational study was carried out in 15 patients. Prevalence of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections assessed in paediatric, adult and geriatric patients, and in both male and female patients. Prescriptions were studied to analyse the antibiotic prescribing patterns in Lower Respiratory Tract Infections patients. Health related Quality of Life was assessed using SF-36 questionnaire before and after patient counselling to analyse its impact on patient outcome and the follow up was taken within 2 weeks. RESULT: Lower Respiratory Tract Infection was found to be the most prevalent disease among Pulmonary and Critical care department in the hospital. Prevalence of LRTI will be more in paediatric patients when compared to adults and geriatric patients, and also males are more affected than females. The most commonly prescribed drugs for LRTI were found to be Cefuroxime followed by Cefoperazone+Sulbactam, Clarithromycin, Ceftriaxone, Amoxicillin+Clavulanic acid, Piperacillin+Tazobactam, Azithromycin and Meropenem. A significant increase in Quality of Life was found in LRTI patients after treatment and patient counselling. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that LRTI is the most common disease and prevalence of LRTI is more in paediatrics than adults and geriatrics. The most commonly prescribed antiobiotic for LRTI is Cephalosporins like Cefuroxime, Cefoperazone along with Sulbactam and Ceftriaxone. There is a significant improvement in the QoL in patients after treatment and patient counselling.