Lower respiratory tract infections.
Acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in young children worldwide. ALRIs are important indicators of the health disparities that persist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children in developed countries. Bronchiolitis and pneumonia account for the majority of the ALRI burden. The epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of these diseases in Indigenous children are discussed. In comparison with non-Indigenous children in developing countries they have higher rates of disease, more complications, and their management is influenced by several unique factors including the epidemiology of disease and, in some remote regions, constraints on hospital referral and access to highly trained staff. The prevention of repeat infections and the early detection and management of chronic lung disease is critical to the long-term respiratory and overall health of these children.
Chang
Anne B
AB
Child Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University Darwin, Rocklands Drive, Tiwi, NT 0811, Australia. annechang@ausdoctors.net
Chang
Christina C
CC
O'Grady
K
K
Torzillo
P J
PJ
D000208:Acute Disease; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001988:Bronchiolitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017281:Cost of Illness; D006303:Health Services, Indigenous / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D010100:Oxygen / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D044382:Population Groups / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D011859:Radiography; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D010100:Oxygen