WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Viral pneumonia is an infection that causes irritation,
swelling, and congestion in the lungs. It is also called
pneumonitis (nu-mo-NI-tis). Viral pneumonia occurs most often
in the winter.
Causes
The infection begins when a virus
is inhaled and settles in the lungs. The illness usually starts
as a cold.
Signs/Symptoms
The most common symptoms are a
headache, fever and chills, muscle aches, and a cough that
brings up sputum. Breathing may be difficult or painful. You
may lose your appetite and feel tired.
Care
If you have no other illnesses or
problems, you can be treated at home. You need a humidifier to
loosen your sputum (making it easier to cough up), and rest.
Antibiotics do not work against viruses. However, if you see
your doctor within 48 hours of the start of your symptoms, you
may be given another type of drug called Amantadine
(uh-MAN-tuh-deen) which helps treat certain
viruses.
Hospital Care
If your illness gets worse, or if
you have other problems (such as diabetes or heart failure),
you may need a stay in the hospital. There your care will be
similar, but you can be carefully monitored.
Risks
Viral pneumonia lowers your
body's immunity, so that other infections can take hold.
Without the right care, you could develop a bacterial
infection.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Always take your medicine as directed. If you feel it
is not helping, call your doctor. Do not quit taking it on
your own.
-
If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do
not drive or use heavy equipment.
-
If you are coughing up sputum and milk seems to make
the sputum thicker, do not eat or drink dairy
products.
-
If you do not have to limit the amount of liquids you
drink, drink 8 to 10 (soda-can sized) glasses of water each
day. This helps thin the sputum so it can be coughed up
more easily.
-
To help free your lungs of infection, take 2 or 3
deep breaths and then cough. Do this often during the
day.
-
Use a humidifier to help keep the air moist and your
sputum thin. This makes it easier to cough up the sputum.
You must keep the humidifier free of fungus. Clean it every
day.
-
Stay inside during very cold or hot weather, or on
days when the air pollution is high. This will make it
easier to breathe and will help control your
cough.
-
Rest at home until you feel better. You may return to
work or school when your temperature is around 98.6 degrees
F (37 degrees C). Slowly increase your activity. You may
feel weak and tired for up to 6 weeks after your
illness.
-
If you have chest pain, apply a heating pad (set on
low) or warm cloths to the sore area for 10 to 20 minutes,
2 to 3 times a day. This may ease the pain, making it
easier to breathe.
-
Because you have had pneumonia, it may be easier for
you to get other lung infections. Try to stay away from
people who have colds or the flu. Get shots against flu and
pneumonia.
-
To help free your lungs of infection, take 2 or 3
deep breaths and then cough. Do this often during the
day.
-
Quit smoking. It harms the lungs. If you are having
trouble quitting, ask your doctor for
help.
-
Make an appointment for another chest x-ray, if your
doctor thinks one is necessary.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You have a high temperature
-
Your chest pain does not get better in a few
days.
-
You get nauseated, have vomiting, or develop
diarrhea.
-
You are coughing up bloody or pink, frothy
sputum.
-
You have problems, such as a rash, itching, swelling,
or stomach pain, that may be caused by any medicine you are
taking.
-
Another family member shows signs of
pneumonia.
-
You continue to have fever and chills, and feel
worse.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following
procedures and equipment during your stay.
-
Activity: At first you will need to rest in bed,
with a few pillows to keep you sitting up a little. This
will help your breathing. Do not lie flat. Once you are
breathing more easily, you will be allowed to increase your
exercise.
-
Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature,
blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and
respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used
to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is
taken by wrapping a cuff around your
arm.
-
Oxygen: Your body may need extra oxygen at this
time. It is given either by a mask or nasal prongs. Tell
your doctor if the oxygen is drying out your nose or if the
nasal prongs bother you.
-
Pulse Oximeter: While you are getting oxygen, you
may be hooked up to a pulse oximeter (ox-IM-uh-ter). It is
placed on your ear, finger, or toe and is connected to a
machine that measures the oxygen in your
blood.
-
ECG: Also called a heart monitor, an
electrocardiograph (e-lec-tro-CAR-dee-o-graf), or EKG. The
patches on your chest are hooked up to a TV-type screen or
a small portable box (telemetry unit). This screen shows a
tracing of each heartbeat. Your heart will be watched for
signs of injury or damage that could be related to your
illness.
-
12 Lead ECG: This test makes tracings from different
parts of your heart. It can help your doctor decide whether
there is a heart problem.
-
Chest X-ray: This picture of your lungs and heart
shows how well they are handling your
illness.
-
Blood: Usually taken from a vein in your hand or
from the bend in your elbow. Tests will be done on the
blood.
-
Blood Gases: Blood is taken from an artery in your
wrist, elbow, or groin. It is tested for the amount of
oxygen it contains.
-
IV: Is a tube placed in your vein for giving
medicine or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing
connected to it.
After You Leave
Follow the directions listed
under ""What You Should Do.''
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