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Viral pneumonia - Overview

Alternative Names

Pneumonia - viral; "Walking pneumonia" - viral

Definition of Viral pneumonia:

Viral pneumonia is inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the lungs due to infection with a virus.

See also:

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Viralpneumonia is more likely to occur in young children and older adults, because their bodies have a harder time fighting off the virus.

Viral pneumonia is most often caused by one of several viruses:

  • Adenovirus
  • Influenza
  • Parainfluenza
  • Respiratory syncytial virus

People who are at risk for more serious viral pneumonia often have a weakened immune system, including:

  • Adult HIV/AIDS patients
  • Babies who are born too early
  • Children with heart and lung problems
  • People receiving chemotherapy for cancer, or other medications that weaken the immune system.
  • Organ transplant recipients
  • Reviewed last on: 9/15/2010
  • Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Mandell LA, Wunderink RG, Anzueto A, et al. Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society consensus guidelines on the management of community-acquired pneumonia in adults. Clin Infect Dis. 2007;44:S27-S72.

Donowitz GR. Acute pneumonia. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 64.

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