Pneumonia is a severe acute lower respiratory tract infection that impacts the pulmonary parenchyma in one or both lungs. Pneumonia is the sixth leading cause of mortality in the United States and the only infectious condition in the top ten. It is a prevalent and possibly fatal infectious disease with significant morbidity and fatality.
Viral pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by a virus etiology. It is characterized by inflammation of the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs responsible for facilitating oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. It commonly affects individuals in vulnerable populations such as infants, the elderly, and those with existing respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems.
Epidemiology
The prevalence of viral pneumonia varies significantly depending on the region, season, and population. It is estimated that viral pneumonia causes between 1 and 5 million deaths worldwide each year. Viral pneumonia is a major concern for pregnant women, as it can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby.
While it is most common in the very young and elderly, there is also a significant risk of viral pneumonia during pregnancy. The two most prevalent causes of viral pneumonia in pregnant women are influenza and varicella. Influenza-related pneumonia, in particular, has been associated with very high mortality rates in past epidemics, with the 1918 epidemic alone having a mortality rate of 50%.
To reduce the risk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all pregnant women take an inactivated influenza virus vaccine during the second and third trimesters. As for varicella, limited data reflects a very substantial mortality rate. The mortality rate for viral pneumonia is estimated to be between 5-15%, depending on the affected individual’s age, health, and underlying condition. The mortality rate may be as high as 30% in severe cases.
Anatomy
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiological process of viral pneumonia begins when an individual inhales airborne droplets containing the virus. The virus attaches to the cells lining the airways, allowing it to enter the cells and begin replicating. As the virus multiplies, it causes inflammation in the airways.
This inflammation leads to the accumulation of mucus and fluid in the alveoli of the lungs, further impairing gas exchange. Immune cells respond to the infection, releasing various chemicals and proteins to fight the virus. This can lead to tissue damage and additional inflammation, resulting in the narrowing of the airways and further difficulty breathing.
The virus may also spread to other parts of the body, such as the bloodstream and other organs. The virus can cause scarring and permanent damage in the lungs tissue damage, and death in more severe cases.
Etiology
Rhinovirus is the most common cause of upper respiratory tract infection across all age groups. RSV is the most prevalent cause of viral pneumonia in small children and infants. Influenza A is the most lethal and debilitating of all the viral types of pneumonia, with the avian flu (H5N1) and swine flu (H1N1) being two particularly concerning subtypes.
Human Metapneumovirus is a novel virus that has been identified as a cause of viral pneumonia and was responsible for the SARS outbreak. Coronaviruses are known to cause pneumonia in individuals. Hantavirus is a zoonotic virus associated with rodent feces exposure and is particularly recognized for its rapid respiratory failure and cardiovascular collapse.
Finally, measles is a major contributor to worldwide childhood mortality due to viral pneumonia. Patients who have experienced trauma, severe burns, uncontrolled diabetes, malnutrition, poverty, environmental exposure, or living in a group setting may be at an increased risk of developing viral pneumonia. Comorbid conditions can predispose patients to this and should be considered when assessing risk.
Genetics
Prognostic Factors
The prognosis for viral pneumonia depends on the type of virus causing the infection, the age and overall health of the person, and how quickly the infection is detected and treated. Most people who are otherwise healthy and receive prompt medical treatment fully recover.
Note: oseltamivir is an antiviral medication commonly used to treat influenza virus infections. It is not typically used to treat viral pneumonia, as most cases are caused by viruses other than influenza
However, oseltamivir may be prescribed if a patient with viral pneumonia is diagnosed with an influenza virus infection
Renal impairment:
The dosing may need to be adjusted based on the patient's creatinine clearance.
The dose may be reduced to 450 mg orally twice daily for patients with a creatinine clearance of 50 mL/min or less.
For pediatric patients with normal renal function and BSA ≥ 1.5 m²: The recommended dose is 900 mg/m² orally twice daily for 21 days.
For pediatric patients with normal renal function and BSA < 1.5 m²: The recommended dose is 16 mg/kg orally twice daily for 21 days, up to a maximum of 900 mg per dose.
Dose Adjustments
For pediatric patients with renal impairment:
The dosing may need to be adjusted based on the patient's creatinine clearance.
The dose may be reduced to 7.5 mg/kg orally twice daily for patients with a creatinine clearance of 10 mL/min or less.
Future Trends
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References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513286/
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Pneumonia is a severe acute lower respiratory tract infection that impacts the pulmonary parenchyma in one or both lungs. Pneumonia is the sixth leading cause of mortality in the United States and the only infectious condition in the top ten. It is a prevalent and possibly fatal infectious disease with significant morbidity and fatality.
Viral pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by a virus etiology. It is characterized by inflammation of the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs responsible for facilitating oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. It commonly affects individuals in vulnerable populations such as infants, the elderly, and those with existing respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems.
The prevalence of viral pneumonia varies significantly depending on the region, season, and population. It is estimated that viral pneumonia causes between 1 and 5 million deaths worldwide each year. Viral pneumonia is a major concern for pregnant women, as it can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby.
While it is most common in the very young and elderly, there is also a significant risk of viral pneumonia during pregnancy. The two most prevalent causes of viral pneumonia in pregnant women are influenza and varicella. Influenza-related pneumonia, in particular, has been associated with very high mortality rates in past epidemics, with the 1918 epidemic alone having a mortality rate of 50%.
To reduce the risk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all pregnant women take an inactivated influenza virus vaccine during the second and third trimesters. As for varicella, limited data reflects a very substantial mortality rate. The mortality rate for viral pneumonia is estimated to be between 5-15%, depending on the affected individual’s age, health, and underlying condition. The mortality rate may be as high as 30% in severe cases.
The pathophysiological process of viral pneumonia begins when an individual inhales airborne droplets containing the virus. The virus attaches to the cells lining the airways, allowing it to enter the cells and begin replicating. As the virus multiplies, it causes inflammation in the airways.
This inflammation leads to the accumulation of mucus and fluid in the alveoli of the lungs, further impairing gas exchange. Immune cells respond to the infection, releasing various chemicals and proteins to fight the virus. This can lead to tissue damage and additional inflammation, resulting in the narrowing of the airways and further difficulty breathing.
The virus may also spread to other parts of the body, such as the bloodstream and other organs. The virus can cause scarring and permanent damage in the lungs tissue damage, and death in more severe cases.
Rhinovirus is the most common cause of upper respiratory tract infection across all age groups. RSV is the most prevalent cause of viral pneumonia in small children and infants. Influenza A is the most lethal and debilitating of all the viral types of pneumonia, with the avian flu (H5N1) and swine flu (H1N1) being two particularly concerning subtypes.
Human Metapneumovirus is a novel virus that has been identified as a cause of viral pneumonia and was responsible for the SARS outbreak. Coronaviruses are known to cause pneumonia in individuals. Hantavirus is a zoonotic virus associated with rodent feces exposure and is particularly recognized for its rapid respiratory failure and cardiovascular collapse.
Finally, measles is a major contributor to worldwide childhood mortality due to viral pneumonia. Patients who have experienced trauma, severe burns, uncontrolled diabetes, malnutrition, poverty, environmental exposure, or living in a group setting may be at an increased risk of developing viral pneumonia. Comorbid conditions can predispose patients to this and should be considered when assessing risk.
The prognosis for viral pneumonia depends on the type of virus causing the infection, the age and overall health of the person, and how quickly the infection is detected and treated. Most people who are otherwise healthy and receive prompt medical treatment fully recover.
Note: oseltamivir is an antiviral medication commonly used to treat influenza virus infections. It is not typically used to treat viral pneumonia, as most cases are caused by viruses other than influenza
However, oseltamivir may be prescribed if a patient with viral pneumonia is diagnosed with an influenza virus infection
Renal impairment:
The dosing may need to be adjusted based on the patient's creatinine clearance.
The dose may be reduced to 450 mg orally twice daily for patients with a creatinine clearance of 50 mL/min or less.
For pediatric patients with normal renal function and BSA ≥ 1.5 m²: The recommended dose is 900 mg/m² orally twice daily for 21 days.
For pediatric patients with normal renal function and BSA < 1.5 m²: The recommended dose is 16 mg/kg orally twice daily for 21 days, up to a maximum of 900 mg per dose.
Dose Adjustments
For pediatric patients with renal impairment:
The dosing may need to be adjusted based on the patient's creatinine clearance.
The dose may be reduced to 7.5 mg/kg orally twice daily for patients with a creatinine clearance of 10 mL/min or less.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513286/
medtigo
Viral Pneumonia
Updated :
August 24, 2023
Pneumonia is a severe acute lower respiratory tract infection that impacts the pulmonary parenchyma in one or both lungs. Pneumonia is the sixth leading cause of mortality in the United States and the only infectious condition in the top ten. It is a prevalent and possibly fatal infectious disease with significant morbidity and fatality.
Viral pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by a virus etiology. It is characterized by inflammation of the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs responsible for facilitating oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. It commonly affects individuals in vulnerable populations such as infants, the elderly, and those with existing respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems.
The prevalence of viral pneumonia varies significantly depending on the region, season, and population. It is estimated that viral pneumonia causes between 1 and 5 million deaths worldwide each year. Viral pneumonia is a major concern for pregnant women, as it can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby.
While it is most common in the very young and elderly, there is also a significant risk of viral pneumonia during pregnancy. The two most prevalent causes of viral pneumonia in pregnant women are influenza and varicella. Influenza-related pneumonia, in particular, has been associated with very high mortality rates in past epidemics, with the 1918 epidemic alone having a mortality rate of 50%.
To reduce the risk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all pregnant women take an inactivated influenza virus vaccine during the second and third trimesters. As for varicella, limited data reflects a very substantial mortality rate. The mortality rate for viral pneumonia is estimated to be between 5-15%, depending on the affected individual’s age, health, and underlying condition. The mortality rate may be as high as 30% in severe cases.
The pathophysiological process of viral pneumonia begins when an individual inhales airborne droplets containing the virus. The virus attaches to the cells lining the airways, allowing it to enter the cells and begin replicating. As the virus multiplies, it causes inflammation in the airways.
This inflammation leads to the accumulation of mucus and fluid in the alveoli of the lungs, further impairing gas exchange. Immune cells respond to the infection, releasing various chemicals and proteins to fight the virus. This can lead to tissue damage and additional inflammation, resulting in the narrowing of the airways and further difficulty breathing.
The virus may also spread to other parts of the body, such as the bloodstream and other organs. The virus can cause scarring and permanent damage in the lungs tissue damage, and death in more severe cases.
Rhinovirus is the most common cause of upper respiratory tract infection across all age groups. RSV is the most prevalent cause of viral pneumonia in small children and infants. Influenza A is the most lethal and debilitating of all the viral types of pneumonia, with the avian flu (H5N1) and swine flu (H1N1) being two particularly concerning subtypes.
Human Metapneumovirus is a novel virus that has been identified as a cause of viral pneumonia and was responsible for the SARS outbreak. Coronaviruses are known to cause pneumonia in individuals. Hantavirus is a zoonotic virus associated with rodent feces exposure and is particularly recognized for its rapid respiratory failure and cardiovascular collapse.
Finally, measles is a major contributor to worldwide childhood mortality due to viral pneumonia. Patients who have experienced trauma, severe burns, uncontrolled diabetes, malnutrition, poverty, environmental exposure, or living in a group setting may be at an increased risk of developing viral pneumonia. Comorbid conditions can predispose patients to this and should be considered when assessing risk.
The prognosis for viral pneumonia depends on the type of virus causing the infection, the age and overall health of the person, and how quickly the infection is detected and treated. Most people who are otherwise healthy and receive prompt medical treatment fully recover.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513286/
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