Parainfluenza
Key points
- Parainfluenza viruses cause upper and lower respiratory infections.
- There are four types of Parainfluenza virus, all of which can cause upper respiratory infections or lower respiratory infections (Pneumonia) in adults and children.
- Cold-like symptoms consisting of a runny nose and mild cough are common.
- Treatment There is no specific treatment for the viral infection.
Definition
Parainfluenza viruses cause upper and lower respiratory infections.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
There are four types of Parainfluenza virus, all of which can cause upper respiratory infections or lower respiratory infections (Pneumonia) in adults and children. The virus is especially important in children because it is responsible for approximately 40-50% of croup cases and 10-15% of Bronchiolitis and Bronchitis cases and some Pneumonias.
The exact number of cases of parainfluenza is unknown but suspected to be very high. Sometimes the viruses cause only a runny nose and other symptoms that may be diagnosed as a simple cold rather than parainfluenza.
Risk factors for parainfluenza include young age. By school age, most children have been exposed to parainfluenza virus. Most adults have antibodies against parainfluenza although they can get repeat infections.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the type of infection. Cold-like symptoms consisting of a runny nose and mild cough are common. Life-threatening respiratory symptoms can be seen in young infants with Bronchiolitis. For detailed symptoms see the specific disease.
- runny nose
- congestion
- cough
- sore throat
- croup
- Chest pain
Signs and tests
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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