PNEUMONIA, VIRAL

 Basic information

description

Viral pneumonia is a lung inflammation caused by a virus infection. Inflammation causes fluid to collect in the air sacs (alveoli) making it difficult to breathe. It can affect all ages, but is often more severe in young children and adults over age 60.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Fever, chills, and sweating.
• Muscle aches and fatigue.
• Cough, with or without sputum, or "croup."
• Rapid, difficult (sometimes) breathing.
• Sore throat.
• Loss of appetite.
• Enlarged lymph glands in the neck.

causes

Viral infection. These include influenza, chickenpox, and respiratory syncytial virus (especially in adults); respiratory viruses, measles, and cytomegalovirus (especially in infants).

risk increases with

• Newborns and infants.
• Adults over 60.
• Weak immune system due to illness or drugs.
• Persons with chronic diseases.
• Smoking.
• Crowded living conditions.
• Recent upper respiratory infection.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• No specific preventive measures.
• Measles vaccines for children, chickenpox vaccine, and annual flu vaccines can help prevent infections that can lead to pneumonia.
• Wash hands often to prevent spread of any germs.

expected outcomes

Usually clears up on its own in 1 to 3 weeks. In more severe cases, recovery may take longer. Some people are fatigued and weak for up to 6 weeks after recovery.

possible complications

• Bacterial infection of the lungs.
• Other lung disorders such as bronchitis.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. Medical tests may include a sputum culture, blood studies, and x-rays.
• Most patients can be treated at home. Hospital care may be needed for more severe cases.
• Coughing and deep breathing is recommended to help clear secretions. Dispose of tissues carefully.
• Use a heating pad on low heat or warm compresses to relieve chest pain.
• Use a cool-mist ultrasonic humidifier (if advised) to increase air moisture and loosen lung secretions. Use pure water; don't put drugs in the humidifier. Clean the humidifier daily.
• Quit smoking. Find a way to stop that works for you.
• To learn more: American Lung Association, 61 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10006; (800) 586-4872; website: www.lungusa.org.

medications

• Antiviral drugs may be prescribed depending on the virus and how long it's been since symptoms started.
• For minor pain, fever, and congestion, you may use nonprescription drugs, such as acetaminophen or decongestant nose drops, nasal sprays, or tablets.
• Antibiotics do not cure viral infections. They may be prescribed to prevent or treat a complicating bacterial infection.

activity

Bed rest is helpful until fever, pain, and shortness of breath have been gone at least 48 hours. Then normal activity may be resumed slowly.

diet

No special diet. Drink plenty of fluids. This helps to thin lung secretions so they are easier to cough up.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of viral pneumonia.
• The following occur during treatment:
  • Temperature rises over 102°F (38.9°C).
  • Pain gets worse.
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
  • Increasing shortness of breath.
  • Blood in the sputum.
  • Increasingly bluish nails and skin.

Special Notes: