Viral pneumonia

Alternative names

Pneumonia - viral

Definition

Viral pneumonia is an inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the lungs caused by infection with a virus. See also influenza.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Pneumonia is an infection of the lung that affects 1 out of 100 people annually. Viral pneumonia is caused by one of several viruses, including influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus, rhinovirus, herpes simplex virus, respiratory syncytial virus, hantavirus, and cytomegalovirus.

Most cases of viral pneumonia are mild and get better without treatment, but some cases are more serious and require hospitalization. People at risk for more serious viral pneumonia typically have impaired immune systems such as people with HIV, transplant patients, young children (especially those with heart defects), the elderly, and people taking medications to suppress their immune systems in the treatment of autoimmune disorders.

Symptoms

• Cough
  
• Headache
  
• Muscular stiffness and aching
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Fever
  
• Chills
  
• Sweating
  
• Fatigue
  
• Sore throat
  

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• Clammy skin
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
• Joint stiffness
  

Signs and tests

• Sputum culture
  
• Blood tests for antibodies to specific viruses
  
• Chest x-ray
  
• Bronchoscopy
  
• Open lung biopsy (only done in very serious illnesses when the diagnosis cannot be made from other sources)
  

Treatment
Antibiotics are not effective in treating viral pneumonia. Some of the more serious forms can be treated with antiviral medications. Other supportive care for viral pneumonia includes use of humidified air, increased fluids, and oxygen.. Hospitalization may be necessary to prevent dehydration and to help with breathing if the infection is serious.

Expectations (prognosis)