How to Identify Symptoms of Viral Pneumonia

Viral pneumonia is a condition that makes it very difficult for someone to breath, especially older people afflicted with the condition. Pneumonia of this type is caused by an inflammation of lung tissues that is most commonly caused by a viral infection. The condition causes fluid to build up in the air sacs found inside the lungs, which prevents optimal inhalation and exhange of air and oxygen to other parts of the body.
Viral pneumonia mostly afflicts either very young children or the elderly, though children, teens and young adults also contract the condition. Viral pneumonia affects the bronchial tubes, bronchioles and lungs as well as the nose, throat, sinuses, trachea and larynx.
Learn how to identify symptoms of viral pneumonia so that you can seek prompt treatment that will help reduce complications and promote healing and recovery.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Watch for any signs of sweating, fever or chills that don't subside within a day or two. Often, these signs mimic flu and other viruses, so pay special attention to any complaints or feelings that you just can't get adequate amounts of air.

2. Pay attention to signs or complaints of fatigue or muscle aches that may or may not accompany the sweating, fever and chills. Sometimes, individuals don't experience all these symptoms at the same time.

3. Watch for the development of a cough that may or may not sound productive. Sometimes, excess sputum will be present.

4. Pay immediate attention to any complaints or signs of difficulty breathing, or breathing that is more rapid than normal. This means the lungs aren't able to function at optimal levels. Schedule a visit with your doctor right away.

5. Feel the lymph glands found in your neck or throat, and see if they feel enlarged. Lymph nodes often swell when the body is fighting infection. The lymph nodes in the neck can be found beneath the side of the jaw at about the middle of the neck line.

Tips & Warnings

• With prompt treatment, viral pneumonia may resolve itself within about three weeks. However, some cases take longer. To be on the safe side, schedule a visit with your physician and listen to his or her advice on treatment plans for you.

• If your temperature rises above 102 degrees, if pain or shortness of breath increase, or you notice that fingernails or skin appears to be tinged with blue (a sign of poor oxygenation), seek medical help immediately.