Lower respiratory tract infections treatment recommendations: An overview

Lower respiratory tract infections represent one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and yield a major effect on healthcare related expenditures. The clinical and economic burden of respiratory infections was highlighted during COVID-19 pandemic. Importantly, the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that irrational use of antibiotics might not only be ineffective but also lead to adverse events. During the first years of the pandemic, the incidence of other respiratory infections fell dramatically; yet, the last months have seen the emergence of the well-known respiratory infections of the past, again. This article aims to highlight current evidence for the management of lower respiratory infections, including COVID-19.