Pneumonia is a general term for any infection of the lungs that causes the accumulation of fluid in the airspaces. These infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and in some rare cases, even fungi. Viral pneumonia is an infection caused by a virus. It can infect the respiratory system anywhere from the upper airways to the lowest parts of the lungs where oxygen is exchanged in to the blood.
Viral pneumonia can be caused by any one of a number of different viruses. Some of the more common viruses associated with viral pneumonia include – respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus, and even the virus that causes chickenpox. In most cases the exact virus is never determined before the infection is cured.
What are the symptoms of viral pneumonia?
Symptoms of viral pneumonia can be quite severe and debilitating, especially in children and the elderly. A cough is almost always present. This cough can produce sputum, but can also be dry. Fever and chills are almost universal with viral pneumonia. A person will feel extremely tired and fatigued all of the time, even with a lot of rest. Chest pain is quite common. Sore throats, loss of appetite, and difficulty breathing are seen frequently as well.
What are the risks for getting viral pneumonia?
As is the case with many different infections, children and the elderly are at the greatest risk for getting viral pneumonia. Immune systems in people that are very young or very old are not as well developed, making them more likely to be infected with viruses.
People with other lungs conditions, such as cystic fibrosis or asthma are at greater risk for viral pneumonia. Chronic damage to the lungs in these conditions makes it easier for viruses to settle in lungs, causing an infection. Similarly, smoking can increase your risk of viral pneumonia by causing chronic irritation to the lungs, allowing viruses to penetrate in to the tissues.
What are the treatments for viral pneumonia?
Viral pneumonia is not treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria, and are totally useless for treating viral infections. Most cases of viral pneumonia will resolve on their own, with only supportive treatment aimed at controlling symptoms.
Using a cool-mist humidifier in your bedroom can help with the breathing and coughing problems. Fever can be controlled with Tylenol or other similar medications. People with viral pneumonia should be sure to stay well hydrated and to eat something, even if you don’t have much appetite.
There are antiviral medications available to treat viral pneumonia, although they are not used in all cases. Most of the time, an infection must be reasonably severe for antiviral medications to be worth the effort. They are more often used in people with compromised immune systems who have a hard time fighting infections themselves.
In some cases, viral pneumonia can make a person more susceptible to a secondary bacterial infection. When this happens, antibiotics may be appropriate to treat the second infection.
