Viral Lung Infection Symptoms

Depending on the severity and duration of the infection, viral lung infection symptoms may be differentiated accordingly. Since the lungs are exposed to pathogens, pollution, harmful fumes etc. they are susceptible to various infections and disorders.

Once the virus enters the lungs through the nostrils or mouth, it thrives in the lungs and with its development can cause viral lung infection. Even though this infection is common during winter months, the virus also breeds in other seasons.

The microbes attack the alveoli of the lungs and can lead to inflammation of the lung tissue. A failure or lapse in treating viral lung infection can result in organ damage, which can be irreversible and prove to be life-threatening.

The symptoms of lung infection may vary from individual to individual. The symptoms may be mild or severe, depending on the duration of the infection.

• The initial signs that the virus has attacked the lungs is sore throat, dry cough, which may turn productive and chest congestion. In some cases, nasal congestion may also be noticed, as the virus may have spread in the upper region of the respiratory tract.

• As the infection progresses the person may suffer from cough that produces phlegm to low-grade fever and severe headaches. Nausea induced vomiting and diarrhea may also manifest as a result of viral infection in the lungs. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to dehydration.

• The person may become so weak that performing daily activities may seem a task. Shortness of breath and episodes of dizziness may also cause hindrance to the routine activities.

• It may also be difficult to take deep breaths with affected lungs, without triggering chest pain on either left or right side of the chest. Sometimes both the sides may ache and a pressure or feeling of heaviness may be felt in the upper part of the chest.

• Other complaints of this lung disorder are muscle cramps and aches in the joints. This occurs due to the fact that the virus has spread to the other parts of the body. Skin rashes, which may be reddish and cause itching, can also appear on the body, especially on the parts which have skin folds.

• In extreme cases of this respiratory disorder, the individual may suffer from cyanosis (or bluish coloring) of the skin due to a lack of oxygen in the body. Dehydration, wheezing and trouble breathing may also be some of the complaints of viral lung infection.

It is essential to recognize the signs of viral lung infection in the early stages, so that it can be promptly treated, before it leads to further complications. Before administering treatment, the health care provider may conduct a battery of diagnostic tests to determine the severity of the infection and also its spread to other organs in the body.

The tests may include chest X-ray, sputum tests, MRI and CT scan for closer diagnosis and a physical exam of the individual. The physician may also observe and study the symptoms of the viral lung infection. Once the test indicates the presence of the pathogens, the medical practitioner may proceed towards treatment.

This can include administration of anti viral drugs and medications to get rid of the germs. If the person is suffering from breathing difficulties and other complications, then he may be admitted to the hospital for observation and treatment.

Recognizing the symptoms is one of the first steps to effectively treat this viral infection. Timely medical intervention can help reduce the intensity of the viral lung infection and also pave way for a faster recovery. Take care!