- Viral pneumonia
MeshID = D011024
Viral pneumonia is an
inflammation of thelung caused by avirus . Viruses are the most common cause ofpneumonia inchild ren.Features
Symptom s of viral pneumonia includefever , non-productivecough ,rhinitis , and systemic symptoms (e.g.myalgia ,headache ). Different viruses cause different symptoms.Pathophysiology
Viruses must invade cells in order to reproduce. Typically, a virus will reach the lungs by traveling in droplets through the
mouth andnose withinhalation . There, the virus invades the cells lining the airways and the alveoli. This invasion often leads to cell death either through direct killing by the virus or by self-destruction throughapoptosis . Further damage to the lungs occurs when the immune system responds to the infection.White blood cell s, in particularlymphocyte s, are responsible for activating a variety of chemicals (cytokine s) which cause leaking of fluid into the alveoli. The combination of cellular destruction and fluid-filled alveoli interrupts the transportation of oxygen into the bloodstream. In addition to the effects on the lungs, many viruses affect other organs and can lead to illness affecting many different bodily functions. Viruses also make the body more susceptible to bacterial infection; for this reason, bacterial pneumonia often complicates viral pneumonia.Etiology
Viruses that commonly cause pneumonia include:
* "Influenza virus "
* "Respiratory syncytial virus" (RSV)
* "Adenovirus es"
* "Metapneumovirus "Viruses that rarely cause pneumonia include:
* "Herpes simplex virus " (HSV), mainly in newborns
* "Varicella-zoster virus " (VZV)
* "Cytomegalovirus " (CMV), mainly in people with immune system problemsTreatment
In cases of viral pneumonia where influenza A or B are thought to be causative agents, patients who are seen within 48 hours of symptom onset may benefit from treatment with
oseltamivir orzanamivir . Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) may be treated withribavirin .Herpes simplex virus andvaricella-zoster virus infections are usually treated withaciclovir , whilstganciclovir is used to treatcytomegalovirus . There is no known efficacious treatment for pneumonia caused by SARS coronavirus,adenovirus ,hantavirus , orparainfluenza virus; treatment is largely supportive.References
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
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