The very young and the very old are not the only ones susceptible to viruses that can cause breathing problems. Over 200 known viruses cause respiratory illnesses, says Dartmouth College Health Services. Coughing, sneezing, wheezing and difficulty breathing are all respiratory symptoms that can be elicited by a host of viruses. Shortness of breath, bluing of the nails or rapid breathing are all potentially life-threatening symptoms and must receive immediate medical treatment.
Respiratory Infections
Upper respiratory infections, known as URIs, are viral illnesses that can cause thick sputum, or phlegm, and irritation to the lining of the throat and airways in children and adults. URIs also cause nasal drainage, which can lead to an annoying cough and chest congestion. Croup is one form of respiratory infection common in children under 5. Notable for a loud, barking cough, croup is a viral illness that cannot be treated with antibiotics and can cause difficulty for the child's breathing. In adults, untreated URIs can be severe in those suffering chronic lung diseases, such as asthma, in conjunction with the virus.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
The respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a virus that causes fear for many parents. MedlinePlus says the virus is common in adults and children, but it can cause serious breathing problems and death in untreated infants less than 1 year old. This virus usually debuts around fall and can last until the spring. RSV is very contagious and is easily spread by casual contact with people or inanimate objects coated with the virus. Signs of RSV include difficulty breathing, sneezing, wheezing and a stuffy nose. Babies infected with RSV may breathe very rapidly and have trouble getting a breath.
Influenza
The American Lung Association encourages everyone older than 6 months to obtain an influenza immunization due to the severe impact the flu has on the lungs. The American Lung Association's Influenza Prevention Program says that influenza is responsible for between 3,000 and 49,000 deaths per season. The virus is highly contagious, with illnesses usually starting in the early winter. The elderly, infants, people with chronic lung diseases and diseases of the immune system are particularly at risk for lung complications with influenza. The flu virus impacts the airways by increasing respiratory secretions and irritating the tissues, causing coughs, runny nose and fever.
