However, severe cases can be life-threatening. The symptoms of pneumonia occur when your lungs become inflamed as they try to fight off a viral infection. This inflammation blocks the flow of oxygen and gas exchange in the lungs. Viral and bacterial pneumonia have similar symptoms, but someone with viral pneumonia may develop additional symptoms. Some of these include:. Children with viral pneumonia may gradually show symptoms that are less severe. A bluish tint to their skin may be a sign of a lack of oxygen.
They may also have a loss of appetite or eat poorly. Older adults with pneumonia may experience a lower than normal body temperature, dizziness , and confusion. You may have a higher risk of developing pneumonia if you:. The virus travels through the air in a number of ways. Coughing, sneezing , or touching a contaminated surface are common ways for the virus to spread. These viruses can be transmitted in communities, hospitals , and other healthcare settings. Pneumonia can be a very serious condition for people in the high-risk group.
See your doctor as soon as you show signs or symptoms of pneumonia. Go to the emergency room if you feel flu-like symptoms along with:.
Only a doctor can diagnose pneumonia. At the office, your doctor will ask you about your medical history and perform a physical exam. These tests could include a n :. Treatment is the biggest difference between bacterial and viral pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotic therapy, while viral pneumonia will usually get better on its own. In some cases, viral pneumonia can lead to a secondary bacterial pneumonia.
At that point, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic therapy. Your doctor will be able to tell if it has become bacterial pneumonia by a change in your symptoms or signs. Most people can be treated at home for viral pneumonia. The goal of treatment is to ease the symptoms of infection. During the cold and flu season, a person can take steps to stay healthy. These steps may protect against viral pneumonia and other viral illnesses.
Most people with viral pneumonia recover within a few weeks. However, some people may take several weeks to recover fully, especially those who have a weakened immune system or are over the age of 65 years. While viral pneumonia can be contagious, a person can practice good hygiene and self-care to lower their risk of getting the infection. Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue that can make it difficult to breathe due to inflammation, fluid, and pus. In severe cases, it can be….
Some of the symptoms of pneumonia may be manageable at home. This article covers home remedies for pneumonia and when to see a doctor. Learn more here. Double pneumonia is a condition in which pneumonia affects both lungs. It can develop from flu or another infection that affects the lungs. Pneumonia during pregnancy can cause serious complications if left untreated. Learn to recognize the symptoms and help prevent maternal pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia is an infection that may occur if a person breathes something in instead of swallowing it.
The germs from food particles, saliva…. What are the symptoms of viral pneumonia? Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D. What are the symptoms? Share on Pinterest The symptoms of viral pneumonia may include fever, shaking, chills, and fatigue. What are the risk factors? Viral pneumonia vs.
When to see a doctor. What are the treatment options? Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Pneumonia is swelling inflammation of the tissue in one or both lungs. It's usually caused by an infection, most commonly bacteria and viruses, which are both contagious. The germs that can cause pneumonia are usually breathed in.
People often have small amounts of germs in their nose and throat that can be passed on through:. The pneumococcal vaccine protects against Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia. Find out more about who should have the pneumococcal vaccine.
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