2 of 3

Write now Article Tools

Pneumonia occurs when the air sacs and small airways of the lungs fill with liquid and cannot function properly. When gas exchange is impeded, the lungs cannot take in oxygen as they normally would. And oxygen is vital to the body's cells, where it is needed for aerobic respiration; the breakdown of food to obtain energy for cellular work.

Pneumonia can have many different causes: viral, bacterial, fungal or, in the case of aspiration pneumonia, it may result from the inhalation of substances such as caustic chemicals, food or vomit.

* Viral Pneumonia *

Pneumonia that is caused by a viral infection results in irritation, swelling, and congestion in the lungs. Also called pneumonitis (nu-mo-NYE-tis), this infectious disease occurs most often in the winter, afflicting 1 in 100 people. Viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in children.

* Cause of Viral Pneumonia *

The viruses that most often cause pneumonia include:

* Influenza virus
* Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
* Adenoviruses
* Metapneumovirus

* Signs & Symptoms of Viral Pneumonia *

Symptoms of viral pneumonia are similar to those associated with bacterial pneumonia; the most common being headache, fever, chills, muscle aches, loss of appetite and a productive cough. Breathing may be difficult or painful. Upon physical examination, crackles may be heard when the patient's chest is examined with a stethoscope.

Medical tests for viral pneumonia may include a chest x-ray or CAT scan. Arterial blood gases are also often checked oxygen saturation. And a pleural fluid culture can be used to identify the pathogen, if there is fluid in the space surrounding the lungs.

* Course of Viral Pneumonia *

Viral pneumonia begins with a virus invading the cells of the respiratory tract and progresses as the viral infection causes cell death.

Viral Invasion: Viruses cannot reproduce on their own. They are entirely parasitic, and must invade the cells of the host in order to multiply. A virus typically reaches the lungs by traveling in droplets inhaled through the mouth or nose. Once in the lungs, the virus invades cells lining the airways and alveoli.

Cellular Destruction: Once invaded, cells of the lung can die due to direct killing by the virus or when the host's immune system destroys its own infected cells. The lungs can be further damaged by the immune response to infection when white blood cells activate chemicals which cause the body's fluid to leak into the alveoli.

This combination of cellular destruction,

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about What is viral pneumonia??
We want to hear your view. Write now!