Viral pneumonia is an inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the lungs caused by infection with a virus.
See also:
Alternative NamesPneumonia - viral
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsPneumonia 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.
People at risk for more serious viral pneumonia typically have weakened immune systems. This includes young children, especially those with heart defects, and the elderly. The following also weaken the immune system and raise the risk for pneumonia:
Persons with suspected pneumonia should have a complete medical evaluation, including a thorough physical exam and a chest x-ray -- especially since the physical exam may not always distinguish pneumonia from acute bronchitis or other respiratory infections.
Depending on the severity of illness, additional studies may be done, include:
Some of the more serious forms of viral pneumonia can be treated with antiviral medications. Antibiotics are not effective.
Treatment may also involve:
A hospital stay may be necessary to prevent dehydration and to help with breathing if the infection is serious.
Expectations (prognosis)Most cases of viral pneumonia are mild and get better without treatment within 1 - 3 weeks, but some cases are more serious and require hospitalization.
ComplicationsMore serious infections can result in respiratory failure, liver failure, and heart failure. Sometimes, bacterial infections occur during or just after viral pneumonia, which may lead to more serious forms of pneumonia.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if symptoms of viral pneumonia develop.
PreventionVaccines against the flu and RSV are available for those at high risk for viral pneumonia.
ReferencesMandell LA, Wunderink RG, Anzueto A, et al. Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society consensus guidelines on the management of community-acquired pneumonia in adults. Clin Infect Dis. 2007;44:S27-S72.
Limper AH. Overview of pneumonia. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 97.
Viral pneumonia is inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the lungs due to infection with a virus.
See also:
Alternative NamesPneumonia - viral; "Walking pneumonia" - viral
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsViralpneumoniais more likely to occur in young children and older adults, because their bodies have a harder time fighting off the virus.
Viral pneumonia is most often caused by one of several viruses:
People who are at risk for more serious viral pneumonia often have a weakened immune system, including:
Symptoms of viral pneumonia often begin slowly and may not be severe at first.
The most common symptoms of pneumonia are:
Other symptoms include:
Persons with suspected pneumonia should have a complete medical evaluation, including a thorough physical exam and a chest x-ray -- especially since the physical exam may not always distinguish pneumonia from acute bronchitis or other respiratory infections.
Depending on the severity of illness, other tests may be done, including:
Antibiotics do not treat viral pneumonia. Medication only works against influenza pneumonia. These medications are called antivirals.
Treatment may also involve:
A hospital stay may be necessary to prevent dehydration and to help with breathing if the infection is serious.
You are more likely to be admitted to the hospital if you:
However, many people can be treated at home.
You can take these steps at home:
Most cases of viral pneumonia are mild and get better without treatment within 1 - 3 weeks, but some cases are more serious and require hospitalization.
ComplicationsMore serious infections can result in respiratory failure, liver failure, and heart failure. Sometimes, bacterial infections occur during or just after viral pneumonia, which may lead to more serious forms of pneumonia.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if symptoms of viral pneumonia develop.
PreventionWash your hands often, especially after blowing your nose, going to the bathroom, diapering a baby, and before eating or preparing foods.
Don't smoke. Tobacco damages your lungs' ability to ward off infection.
Vaccines may help prevent pneumonia in children, the elderly, and people with Diabetes, asthma, emphysema, HIV, cancer, or other chronic conditions.
If your immune system is weak, stay away from crowds. Ask visitors who have a cold to wear a mask.
ReferencesMandell LA, Wunderink RG, Anzueto A, et al. Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society consensus guidelines on the management of community-acquired pneumonia in adults. Clin Infect Dis. 2007;44:S27-S72.
Donowitz GR. Acute pneumonia. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 64.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 09/15/2010
Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Viral Pneumonia IS the "scientific" name.
The ICD-9-CM code for Viral Pneumonia is 480.9
No.
Viral Pneumonia is transmitted from one person to another. It an acute infection and it is an airborne transmitted virus.
Pneumonia is a general term, not a specific disease. There is viral pneumonia, bacterial pneumonia, and a fungal pneumonia, among others.
It can be viral or bacterial.
See related links. Known viral causes of atypical pneumonia are severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and measles. Both of these viral conditions are contagious.
Antibiotics can only cure bacterial pneumonia, not viral.
No. It's bacterial.
Like many other viral infections, the main treatment is supportive care like fluid, oxygen, ect. There are antiviral medications, but they are normally not effective in viral pneumonia. Viral pneumonia can progress to bacterial pneumonia because the bacteria takes advantage of the fact that you're already compromised. In this case, antibiotic should help.
Pneumonia is a viral infection of your lungs. But its effects can make you feel that you have pneumonia in your shoulders or the whole part of your upper back.
Lungs