Viral pneumonia

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Viral pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung caused by a virus. Viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in children. Viral pneumonia is commonly caused by viruses such as the influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, and metapneumovirus. Herpes simplex virus is a rare cause of pneumonia except in newborns. People with immune system problems are also at risk of pneumonia caused bycytomegalovirus (CMV).

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

• Viruses must invade cells in order to reproduce.
• Typically, a virus will reach the lungs by traveling in droplets through the mouth and nose with inhalation.
• There, the virus invades the cells lining the airways and the alveoli.
• This invasion often leads to cell death either by directly killing the virus or by self-destruction through apoptosis.
• Further damage to the lungs occurs when the immune system responds to the infection. White blood cells, in particular lymphocytes, are responsible for activating a variety of chemicals (cytokines) which cause leaking of fluid into the alveoli.
• The combination of cellular destruction and fluid-filled alveoli interrupts the transportation of oxygen into the bloodstream.
• In addition to the effects on the lungs, many viruses affect other organs and can lead to illness affecting many different bodily functions.
• Viruses also make the body more susceptible to bacterial infection; for this reason, bacterial pneumonia often complicates viral CAP.

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Viral pneumonia 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

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More serious infections can result in respiratory failure, liver failure, and heart failure. Sometimes, bacterial infections occur during or just after viral pneumonia, which may lead to more serious forms of pneumonia.

Most cases of viral pneumonia are mild and get better without treatment within 1 – 3 weeks, but some cases are more serious and require hospitalization.

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