2007-04-16 13:54:03 · 3 answers · asked by specialperson 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Respiratory Diseases
Viral pneumonia (noo-MOH-nyah) is when an infection causes swelling and fluid in the lungs. The fluid in the lungs may make it hard for you to breathe. Viral pneumonia, also called viral pneumonitis (noo-moh-NEYE-tis), happens most often during the winter. People with viral pneumonia can have symptoms that range from mild to very severe (bad).
Many different viruses can cause viral pneumonia. A virus is a type of germ. Examples of viruses that can cause pneumonia include chickenpox, influenza, and RSV. You may get a virus by breathing it in, such as breathing the air around someone who is coughing. You may get a virus from touching something that has a virus on it, such as a dirty tissue. You may get pneumonia from a virus in your own body that travels to the lungs.
You may be more likely to get pneumonia if you have a lung disease such as asthma or emphysema. You are more likely to get pneumonia and other lung infections if you smoke. You have a higher risk of getting pneumonia if you have problems with your immune system. Your immune system helps you fight off illness. Having a long-term medical condition (such as heart failure) may also increase your risk of getting pneumonia. If you have to stay in bed for a long time, such as after an injury or surgery, you have a greater chance of getting pneumonia. Your risk of getting pneumonia increases as you age.
What are the signs and symptoms of viral pneumonia? Pneumonia can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe.
2007-04-16 13:57:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a viral infection, as opposed to a bacterial infection.
2007-04-16 20:58:16 · answer #2 · answered by Jeanne B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you sure your spelling it right? sounds like a mix between two things.
2007-04-16 20:57:41 · answer #3 · answered by .:.:.Mizz_undaStood.:.:. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋