Symptoms:

Symptoms vary depending on the type of infection. Cold-like symptoms consisting of a runny nose and mild cough are common. Life-threatening respiratory symptoms can be seen in young infants with bronchiolitis and those with weakened immune systems.

In general, symptoms may include:

• Chest pain
• Cough
• Croup
• Fever
• Runny nose
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Stuffy nose
• Wheezing

Signs and tests:

A physical exam may show sinus tenderness, swollen glands, and a red throat. The doctor will listen to the lungs and chest with a stethoscope. Abnormal sounds, such as crackling or wheezing, may be heard.

Tests that may be done include:

• Arterial blood gases
• Chest x-ray
• CT scan of the chest
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Swab of nose for rapid viral test

Treatment:

There is no specific treatment for the viral infection. Specific treatments are available for the symptoms of croup and bronchiolitis.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most infections in adults and older children are mild and recovery takes place without treatment, unless the person is very old or has an abnormal immune system. Medical intervention may be necessary if breathing difficulties develop.

Complications:

Secondary bacterial infections are the most common complication. Airway obstruction in croup and bronchiolitis can be severe, even life-threatening.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you or your child develops croup, wheezing or any other type of breathing difficulty. Contact your health care provider if a child under 18 months develops any type of upper respiratory symptoms.

Prevention:

There are no vaccines available for parainfluenza. Avoiding crowds to limit exposure during peak outbreaks may decrease the likelihood of infection.

Limiting exposure to daycare centers and nurseries may delay infection until the child is older.