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Parainfluenza - Treatment

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 your child develops croup, wheezing or any other type of breathing difficulty. You may wish to call your health care provider for children under 18 months of age with any type of upper respiratory symptoms.

Reviewed last on: 3/2/2009
Daniel Levy, MD, PhD, Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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