Viral lung infection is a condition which causes inflammation in the lungs. The right and left lungs form an essential part of the body which assists in breathing processes. In medical terms, viral lung inflammation is known as pneumonia. This is nothing but swelling or inflammation of lungs. Lungs often get filled with pus.
Causes of Viral Lung Infection:
The major cause of viral lung infection is the inhalation of virus through the respiratory passages. The inhaled viruses settle in the lungs after reaching there. Usually, viral lung infection begins with cold and sometimes from fever. Our environment is surrounded by thousands and thousands of viruses and bacteria. Viruses can easily enter the lungs through the passages of the respiratory system. Lung infections and lung inflammations may include cough and common cold. These viral infections in lungs may affect the lungs’ capacity to breathe.
Symptoms of Viral Lung Infection:
Following are some of the symptoms of viral lung infection:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath when performing daily activities
- Nausea
- Chest pain when breathing either on right or left side
- Cough with phlegm
- Joint aches
- Muscle cramps
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Headache
- Low grade fever
- Dry cough
Diagnosis for Viral Lung Infection:
If a person is suspected to suffer from viral infection in lungs, he should consult an expert doctor such that the health care provider conducts several tests and diagnoses the patient with the condition. The patient may have some rashes on the skin and there may be variations in the blood pressure readings. The patient can suffer from mild fever and gradual expansion of the chest.
The physician takes sputum samples for detecting the organism which causes lung infection. Once if the sputum is detected, it can be easy to establish whether the patient is suffering from bacterial or viral infection. For the detection of herpes and influenza viruses, a patient’s throat swab is taken such that the virus can be detected easily. Tracheal aspiration is also performed for diagnosing viral infection in lungs. Some physicians recommend MRI scan, CT scan and X-ray tests too.
Treatment for Viral Lung Infection:
This condition can be treated with anti-virus medicines which are prescribed by the health care provider. Remember that medicines for exact viral infection such as influenza, etc. can be given only if the infection is identified. In severe cases of breathing problems as well as anxiety, the person should be admitted in hospital immediately. The hospital should contain all the breathing equipments which are required if the person is unable to breathe.
