Viral Pneumonia
Respiratory (12%) Core Clinical Conditions
1A: Able to diagnose and manage
Jump to content
Definition Aetiology Pathophysiology Risk factor Sign and Symptoms Investigations Management
Definition
Viral pneumonia is a form of pneumonia that targets the respiratory tract and it is commonly caused by viruses.
Aetiology
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Adenovirus.
parainfluenza virus, and others.
Pathophysiology
Viral infiltration to the resp. Tract.
Viral replication and spreading.
Immune response.
Damage to the lung tissue (caused by inflammatory response + immune response).
Accumulation of fluid in the lungs (consolidation).
Resolution or progression of disease.
Risk factors
Smoking and environmental causes.
Weak immune system e.g. HIV/AIDS, cancer, receiving chemotherapy treatment.
Age: young and older individuals are more at risk.
Asthma/COPD, diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease.
Travelling to high risk areas.
Close contact with infected individuals.
Sign and symptoms
Cough.
SOB and fatigue.
Fever.
Pleuritic chest pain.
O/E: coarse crepitations, hypoxia and tachycardia.
Diagnosis and investigations
Chest X-ray may display consolidation.
Blood test: full blood count (FBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and Full blood count (FBC).
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Test.
Viral swab (nose or throat).
COVID test rapid test or PCR.
Management
Supportive care: rest, hydration, otc anti-pyrexia medications.
Antiviral treatment may be considered depending on causative agent.
Hospitalisation - may require IV fluid treatment. If bacteria infection is detected then IV or oral antibiotic treatment may also be commenced.
Checkout How to take a history of Cough
Click to be redirected
Check out our youtube channel
