Stephen J. Schueler, M.D.

Virus Causing Pneumonia Overview

Another name for Virus Causing Pneumonia is Viral Pneumonia.

What is viral pneumonia?
A person with viral pneumonia has inflammation of the lung, caused by a viral infection. The inflammation can block the flow of oxygen from the lung into the bloodstream. About 90 percent of the cases of pneumonia in children are caused by viral pneumonia. Most cases of viral pneumonia resolve within 2 weeks.

What are the symptoms of viral pneumonia?
Common symptoms of viral pneumonia include a cough, sinus congestion, sore throat, fever, muscles aches, joint pains, fatigue, and headache. Symptoms of worsening viral pneumonia may include, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or a rapid breathing rate.

How does the doctor treat viral pneumonia?
General treatment for viral pneumonia includes, rest, plenty of liquids, and acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain and fever. Additional treatment may include an inhaled bronchodilator medicine. The treatment of severe viral pneumonia may include antiviral medication and oxygen therapy.

Continue to Virus Causing Pneumonia Incidence

Last Updated: Feb 12, 2010 References

PubMed Virus Causing Pneumonia References
  1. Cheng VC, Tang BS, Wu AK, Chu CM, Yuen KY. Medical treatment of viral pneumonia including SARS in immunocompetent adult. J Infect. 2004 Nov;49(4):262-73. [15474623]
  2. de Roux A, Marcos MA, Garcia E, Mensa J, Ewig S, Lode H, Torres A. Viral community-acquired pneumonia in nonimmunocompromised adults. Chest. 2004 Apr;125(4):1343-51. [15078744]
  4. Virkki R, Juven T, Rikalainen H, Svedstrom E, Mertsola J, Ruuskanen O. Differentiation of bacterial and viral pneumonia in children. Thorax. 2002 May;57(5):438-41. [11978922]