Viral pathogens are responsible for approximately 50 percent of all pneumonia cases, according to health experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Viral pneumonia symptoms initially mimic common cold or flu symptoms, but progressively become more severe over the span of several days. Patients who develop viral pneumonia symptoms should consult a physician for further evaluation and care.
Nasal Congestion
Initially, patients with viral pneumonia can develop nasal congestion symptoms due to this lung infection, explains DrGreene.com, a pediatric health information website. An affected patient may experience a runny nose that is accompanied by frequent sneezing or difficulty breathing through the nose. Patients with viral pneumonia may frequently blow their noise to clear secretions from their nasal passageways.
Fever
This viral lung infection can cause fever symptoms in affected patients. A patient's body temperature can exceed 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit, warns UpToDate, a peer-reviewed medical information website. Patients with fever can exhibit unusually flushed skin that is warm or moist to the touch. Fever symptoms due to viral pneumonia can also occur in conjunction with shaking chills, sweating or headache, which can persist for several days.
Cough or Breathing Difficulties
During the early stage of viral pneumonia, patients can develop a dry cough. This initial viral pneumonia symptom becomes significantly worse within the first 12 to 36 hours of onset, and can contribute to congested cough, mucus production and difficulty breathing, report health experts with Johns Hopkins Medicine. Some patients can also develop chest pain or discomfort that is exacerbated by cough symptoms. Mucus coughed up from the lungs can be green, yellow or white in color or may contain small amounts of blood, explains Drugs.com. These viral pneumonia symptoms can persist for one to three weeks before resolving without treatment.
Wheezing
Inflammation and irritation of the lungs caused by viral pneumonia can narrow a patient's airways. As a result, it can be harder for oxygen to flow into the lungs. When this occurs, patients with viral pneumonia can begin to wheeze--a symptom characterized by an unusually high-pitched or crackling sound within the chest, explains Drugs.com. Wheezing due to viral pneumonia is often accompanied by breathing difficulties or chest pain. Patients who develop these viral pneumonia symptoms should consult a physician for further care.
Stomach Upset
Stomach upset symptoms can arise as symptoms of viral pneumonia. Affected patients can develop nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, reports UpToDate. These stomach upset symptoms can contribute to a temporary loss of appetite and may occur in conjunction with abdominal pain or bloating.
