Varicella is commonly known as chicken pox, and varicella pneumonia is a rare, but serious complication of this infection. According to the "European Respiratory Journal," varicella pneumonia more commonly affects adults with chicken pox, rather than children with the same infection. The pneumonia will commonly present one to six days after the onset of the rash; however, chest symptoms may start before the appearance of the skin rash. Varicella pneumonia is identified by the development of symptoms common to all types of pneumonia.
Tachypnea
A symptoms of varicella pneumonia, tachypnea is identified by abnormal rapid, shallow breathing. This is similar to hyperventilation.
Chest Tightness
Chest tightness is defined by pain or discomfort felt along the front of the body between the neck and the abdomen. With pneumonia, chest pain or tightness is usually sharp in nature and worsens with a deep breath or coughing.
Cough
According to Mayoclinic.com, a persistent cough is an indication of pneumonia. If someone is experiencing this in combination with other symptoms, a medical professional should be consulted. This is especially true if a prior illness is present, such as varicella.
Dyspnea
MedicineNet.com defines dyspnea as difficult or labored breathing or shortness of breath. This is a common sign of many infections or diseases affecting the lungs, such as pneumonia.
Fever
A lasting fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher combined with chills and sweating is an indicator of pneumonia, states Mayoclinic.com.
Pleuritic Chest Pain
Pleurisy is an inflammation of the membrane that surrounds the lungs. The inflammation is initiated when a damaging agent, such as an infection, irritates the pleural surface. This causes sharp chest pains. This condition has become increasingly less common due to the advent of antibiotics.
Hemoptysis
Hemoptysis is the coughing up of blood or bloody sputum from the lungs or airway. According to the medical-dictionary.com, massive hemoptysis is defined as 200 to 600 mL of blood coughed up within a period of 24 hours or less.
