Pneumonia is caused by swelling in your lungs. Bacteria, fungi, bedbugs, or viruses are the leading causes of the disease. Each year, a large number of people die or are hospitalized from the disease.
Viral pneumonia is a complication of the viruses that trigger colds and influenza, accounting for about one third of pneumonia cases. The virus attacks your lungs and causes inflammation, stalling your flow of oxygen.
Numerous cases of viral pneumonia get fixed themselves within a few weeks; however, serious cases can be fatal. In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) graded pneumonia along with the flu as the eighth principal cause of death.
Symptoms of viral pneumonia in adults and children
The symptoms of the disease happen when your lungs become swollen as they try to hold off a viral infection. These swelling blocks the flow of oxygen and gas exchange in the lungs.
Primary symptoms of pneumonia are similar to flu symptoms. These include:
- cough with yellow or green mucus
- fever
- trembling or chills
- exhaustion
- sweating
- weakness
Although viral and bacterial pneumonia have same symptoms, an individual with viral pneumonia may develop other symptoms, such as headaches, feeling more short of breath, muscle pain, and deteriorating cough.
Children with viral pneumonia may slowly show symptoms that are less severe. They may also suffer a loss of hunger or have a poor diet. Older adults with the disease may suffer a lower than normal body temperature, giddiness, and confusion. It’s possible for the disease to swiftly develop into a more serious condition, particularly if you’re in a high-risk group, such as people with weakened immune systems.
Who’s at risk for getting viral pneumonia?
Since it’s airborne and transmittable, everyone can be vulnerable to catching viral pneumonia. You may be at greater risk of developing pneumonia if you work or live in a hospital; are 65 years of age or older; or pregnant.
Most healthy children are able to fight the contagion with their natural defences, kids whose immune systems are affected are more vulnerable to developing pneumonia. Malnutrition or undernourishment may weaken a child’s immune system, particularly that of infants who are not entirely breastfed.
Other factors include:
- having a chronic disease such as an autoimmune illness, heart disease, asthma, or a respiratory infection
- cancer or any other condition that’s being treated with chemotherapy
- recent viral infection
- smoking tobacco, which ruins your body’s defenses against pneumonia
Pneumonia causes
The virus travels through the air in several ways. The virus is generally transmitted to other people by means of coughing, sneezing, or touching a soiled surface.
When to see your doctor
Since pneumonia can be a very grave illness for people in the most vulnerable group, you should see a doctor as soon as signs or symptoms of the disease manifest themselves. If you experience symptoms such as confusion, fast breathing, a dip in blood pressure, trouble breathing, high-grade fever, and chest pain, immediately go the emergency room.
Viral pneumonia diagnosis
Viral pneumonia can only be diagnosed by a doctor, who will ask you about your medical history and carry out a physical exam by first listening to your lungs for the following sounds when you breathe:
- reduced air flow
- crunching in the lungs
- wheezing when breathing
- fast heart rate
The doctor will typically order other tests if they’re worried about the sounds that your lungs are making. These tests could include a chest X-ray, mucus culture to test secretions from your lungs; complete blood count (CBC) with differential to look for inflammatory change, etc.
The difference between viral pneumonia and bacterial pneumonia
Treatment is completely different for between bacterial and viral pneumonia. Antibiotic therapy is the normal treatment for bacterial pneumonia, while viral pneumonia will typically improve on its own.
Viral pneumonia treatment
Home care
Viral pneumonia can be treated by most people at home. The object of treatment is to comfort the symptoms of infection. You should ensure to consult your doctor before taking a cough syrup, since coughing will help in your recovery. Children will typically follow the common treatment during their recovery, but it’s always best to see a medical expert for treatment plans for your child.
Medical treatment
Contingent on the type of infection one has, the doctor may recommend an antiviral medicine to decrease viral activity. Your doctor may advise one if your condition is identified early. It’s significant to comprehend that antibiotics will not treat viral pneumonia, since a virus, not bacteria, triggers it. Older adults and individuals with severe health conditions may need to stay in the hospital for additional care and to shun dehydration. They may also be given an antiviral medicine, which may help them become better more rapidly.
Viral pneumonia prevention
Viral pneumonia is transmissible and can be spread in exactly the same way as a cold or the flu. You can take measures to reduce your risk for getting pneumonia.
Flu vaccine
Viral pneumonia can be directly caused by the flu. Experts say that everyone who is 6 months or older should get the regular flu vaccine. Only people who have had allergic reactions to flu vaccines or eggs may not be administered the vaccine. If you’re sick at the time you should get a flu shot, wait until you feel better to get it.
What is the length of viral pneumonia?
The recovery time hinges on on how healthy you were prior to being diagnosed with viral pneumonia. A young, fit individual will typically recover quicker than other age groups, and most people recover in a couple of weeks. Adults or seniors may take numerous weeks before they fully recover. The best way to thwart pneumonia is to practice good hygiene, get the seasonal flu shot every year, and try to shun those around you who are sick with a cold or the flu. Also, eating the right diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as adequate exercise and sufficient sleep also help prevent the disease.