Abstract

ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF RISK FACTORS IN RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION - A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Yathiraj K. M.* and Mahadevamma L.

Abstract

Inflammation of the lung parenchyma is referred to as pneumonia. The likelihood of infection rises as a result of pneumonia risk factors. Around the world, it is significant source of mortality and morbidity. The present study was carried out to assess the risk factors and variables for effective management of risk factors for Respiratory Tract Infections (RTI). This was a prospective and observational study in which 110 subjects were enrolled based on study the criteria in Sagar Hospital, the data collected was assessed and evaluated by suitable statistical method. In this study the prevalence of males (70.1%) is more than females and a greater number of patients were identified in the age group of 60-90 years. The common risk factors observed were smoking (12.7%), alcoholism (7.3%) and age group of 60-90 years (15.5%). The variables used were PaO2 and PaCO2. These parameters were chosen as they are likely to show abnormalities during respiratory tract infection. Most common respiratory pathogen found was Streptococcus pneumoniae and the common antibiotics used were Cefoperazone+Sulbactam[20] and Piperacillin+Tazobactam with Azithromycin,[31] Remidesivir and Pipercilline+Tazobactam.[17] The study was concluded with an understanding of risk factors that helped to identify individuals who have more chance of developing the disease, which helps to lower the respiratory infection related morbidity and mortality rates by administering appropriate antimicrobial regimen along with patient counseling, regarding lifestyle modification, dietary approaches and other precautions to be taken. This study provides valuable laboratory data to monitor the status of antimicrobial usage among respiratory pathogens and improve treatment recommendations in a hospital.

Keywords: Respiratory Tract Infection, Risk factors, PaO2, PCO2, Antibiotics.