Complications of viral pneumonia

Viral pneumonia and the main symptoms

Pneumonia is a medical term for the inflammation of lungs, and it can be caused by various microorganisms. The one that is caused by virus is called viral pneumonia, and it is very common among children, which confirms the fact that approximately 90 % of cases in children are not bacterial, but viral in nature. The main symptoms that may indicate this disease are cough, sore throat, and sinus congestion, while fever followed by pain in the muscles and joints is also very common. Problems with breathing, headache and wheezing may indicate viral pneumonia as well, but, it is necessary to go to the doctor's as soon as the first signs appear, because these signs may be typical of other diseases as well, and the doctor is the only one who will be able to set a correct diagnosis.

Viral pneumonia is usually treated successfully and easily, and it can be cured in two weeks, but it is necessary to rest, take in a lot of fluids, use medications that will lower the fever and relieve the pain. Cases that are more serious may demand the use of bronchodilator medicines, or even antiviral mediations and therapy with oxygen.

Complications of viral pneumonia

Regarding complications, one thing is common for all types of pneumonia – younger and otherwise healthy people, as well as those who lead a healthier life and do not smoke, are less likely to develop complications in comparison to smokers, for example. Also, they are more likely to cure this disease easier and faster.

However, complications which can develop as a result of pneumonia may even be life-threatening, which is why it is necessary to diagnose this disease in time, and to begin with the proper treatment. The most common complications that are typical of viral pneumonia include accumulation of fluid in the lungs, as well as the infection of that fluid, but the formation of abscess in the part of the lungs that is affected by pneumonia is also possible. Viral pneumonia may even develop into bacterial pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, respiratory failure and Reye’s syndrome, and all these possibilities are the reasons to seek for medical help as soon as the first symptoms are noticed.