PNEUMONIA, VIRAL |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Lung infection caused by a virus. It is unlikely that others will develop pneumonia from exposure to a person with viral pneumonia. Respiratory infections of all sorts constitute the most common non-injury disorder seen among those who exercise. This is especially true with team sports, with exposure to cold or harsh weather, or with exhaustive exercise before developing sufficient cardiovascular-pulmonary conditioning.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Fever and chills.
Nasal stuffiness.
Muscle aches and fatigue.
Cough, with or without sputum.
Rapid, labored (sometimes) breathing.
Chest pain.
Sore throat.
Loss of appetite.
Enlarged lymph glands in the neck.
Bluish nails in advanced, untreated viral pneumonia (rare).
CAUSES & RISK FACTORSViral pneumonia is caused by a virus infection, including influenza, chickenpox (especially in adults), common cold viruses, and measles or other systemic virus infections. These viruses are most likely to cause pneumonia in those who:
Are over age 60.
Have asthma.
Have cystic fibrosis.
Have inhaled a foreign body into the lung.
Smoke.
Live in crowded or unsanitary conditions, or use an unsanitary locker room.
HOW TO PREVENT
Avoid anyone with a viral illness.
Avoid overexertion, and condition your entire body, including the cardiovascular-pulmonary system, before engaging in strenuous sports.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Laboratory blood studies.
X-rays of the chest.
SURGERYNot necessary nor useful for this disease.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESS Usually curable in 4 weeks if no complications occur.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Secondary bacterial infection of the lungs.
Post-infectious depression.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTNone usually necessary, except for hospitalization in rare cases.
HOME TREATMENT
Use a cool-mist humidifier to increase air moisture. This helps thin lung secretions so they can be coughed out more easily. Keep the humidifier clean.
Use a heating pad on the chest to relieve chest pain.
MEDICATION
If the cough produces sputum, it is ridding the lungs of secretions and should not be suppressed with medicine. If the cough is dry, non-productive and painful, you may suppress it with non-prescription cough medicine that contains dextromethorphan.
For minor nasal congestion, pain and fever, you may use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen or decongestant nose drops, nasal sprays or tablets.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to fight secondary bacterial infections or stronger cough suppressants.
ACTIVITYBed rest is necessary until fever, pain and shortness of breath have been gone at least 48 hours. Then normal activity may be resumed slowly. Many people are fatigued and weak for up to 6 weeks after recovery, so don't expect a quick return to normal strength or normal exercise tolerance.
DIETNo special diet, but do everything possible to maintain a normal intake of nutritious foods and drinks. Drink at least 1 full glass of fluid each hour. This helps thin lung secretions.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have symptoms of pneumonia.
The following occurs during treatment: Temperature spike over 102F (38.9C).
Intolerable pain, despite medication and heat treatment.
Increasing shortness of breath.
Increasing blueness of nails and skin.
Blood in the sputum.
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
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