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Viral pneumonia causes fluid buildup in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Diagnosis involves a physical exam and chest X-ray, and treatment includes rest, fluids, and pain relievers. Antibiotics are ineffective for treating viral pneumonia.
Viral pneumonia refers to a viral infection that causes fluid and swelling in the lungs. Generally, viral pneumonia makes it difficult to breathe due to fluid buildup. Also known as viral pneumonia, viral pneumonia occurs mostly during the winter months. Symptoms can range from mild to extremely severe and even life-threatening. There are many viruses responsible for pneumonia. Viruses are a type of infectious agent, and the same viruses that cause pneumonia can also cause the flu.
Typically, viruses are spread by breathing the air around a coughing person or by touching an inanimate object that has been infected with a virus. Generally, risk factors for pneumonia include age 65 or older, being a nursing home patient, and being younger than two years of age. Additionally, patients whose immune systems are compromised and people with pre-existing lung disease are also at higher risk of contracting viral pneumonia.
Generally, the symptoms of viral pneumonia vary from person to person, however, the most common symptoms are fever, headache and dry cough. Muscle pain and weakness are also frequently noted, accompanied by an increase in shortness of breath. When the cough and shortness of breath become severe and unrelenting, the person may have blue colored lips. This is related to lack of oxygen and ineffective gas exchange in the lungs.
Regardless of the type of pneumonia present, viral or bacterial, the person commonly experiences profound loss of appetite, fatigue, and sometimes abdominal pain and nausea. Another common manifestation of viral pneumonia is anxiety, which is related to incessant coughing and shortness of breath. When breathing becomes impaired and labored, increased fear is common, due to hyperventilation.
Diagnosis of pneumonia may include a complete physical exam and medical history. Physical examination may reveal wheezing and crackling sounds in the lungs, as well as decreased breathing sounds. A chest X-ray may reveal white areas that can signal pus and fluid buildup in the air sacs of the lung. Treatment for viral pneumonia includes rest, fluids, and pain relievers. Cough preparations are often prescribed and, in severe cases, oxygen therapy may be ordered.
Because antibiotics are only effective for bacterial infections, they are ineffective for treating virus-related pneumonia. Sometimes, however, a secondary infection can occur and antibiotics may be warranted in this case. Most cases of viral pneumonia resolve on their own with adequate rest, nutrition, and fluid intervention. Frequent hand washing is very important in preventing not only pneumonia, but most infections.
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