Check out some general information on viral lung diseases30-01-2010 |
Viral infections initially affect the common site of human lungs. These viruses lead to upper respiratory infections before entering in to lungs and emerging with the diseases. Some major viral infections include Bronchiolitis, Pneumonia and Interstitial Lung Disease
Some recently emerging viral lung infections have developed the potential of causing larger outbreaks of severe respiratory diseases. A huge division of viruses have long been implicated as propagators of inflammation in various lung related diseases. These viruses work as triggering agents in developing the intensity of diseases, especially lung related ones. These infections are at their peak particularly during the fall and winter days. During these days, the chances of getting affected are increased. Because of the viral transmission due to sneezing and coughing.
Bronchiolitis
It refers to the inflammation of the membrane linings in the bronchioles. It is an illness that is caused by various viruses including respiratory syncytial virus, influenza or flu virus. These viruses generally target infants and young children. It starts off with congesting nose and moving forward can affect lungs causing the symptoms of bronchiolitis. The general symptoms include raspy cough, wheezing, rapid breathing, retractions, low levels of oxygen in the blood stream and hypoaxia. The illnesses can last for a day or two, but in severe cases can extend to two weeks.
Pneumonia
Another serious ailment triggered by infectious viruses is pneumonia. It refers to an abnormal inflammatory condition of the lung. Although it can be the result of a variety of causes like infection with bacteria, fungi or parasites, chemical or physical injury to the lungs etc; viral infection is the one amongst the top listed. Viral pneumonia has got milder effects as compared to its counterpart bacterial one. Some basic symptoms include cough that is accompanied by phlegm, fever or chills, shortness of breath, rapid breathing and retractions, pleurisy, muscle aches and fatigue. It may worsen the case, if this pneumonia gives rise to the bacterial ones. It may ultimately result in accumulation of fluids which can be termed as hazardous. These accumulations of fluids may need to be drained out surgically. Additionally, pneumonia can be the leading cause of death in children under five year.
People with pneumonia usually observe discolored or sometimes bloody sputum. In many cases, the pain fibers in the lungs can be the main triggers of chest pain. Other than these, a worsening cough, headache and muscle pain can be the only symptoms.
Interstitial Lung Disease
Interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to a particular type of inflammation that affects the interstitium of the lungs. It refers to the burning sensations in the supportive tissues between the air sacs. These conditions generally lead to scarring of these tissues by affecting their ability of delivering oxygen in the blood. Lowered lung function results in inflammation of the supportive interstitial tissues.Go for a check up; if you observe symptoms like dry cough, feeling of breathlessness, wheezing and chest pain. These symptoms gradually affect the daily living and get worsened over a period of time. Patients of HIV and cancer, and those people possessing a weak immune system are more susceptible to ILD.
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