Signs & Symptoms of Varicella Pneumonia

Varicella pneumonia is a complication of varicella, which is commonly known as chicken pox. Chicken pox is a minor illness in children, but adults or pregnant women who contract the illness can develop serious complications, such as pneumonia. A severe case of varicella pneumonia is potentially fatal and can lead to the development of a secondary bacterial infection. Immediate medical attention is recommended to determine the severity of the illness.

Symptoms

• Respiratory symptoms that develop during the eruptive stage of chicken pox can be caused by varicella pneumonia. According to the Canadian Medical Association Journal, cough, dyspnea (shortness of breath), tachypnea (rapid breathing), cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin) and chest pain are common symptoms. Sputum expelled through coughing might contain small amounts of blood. X-ray examination might reveal extensive nodular opacities during the acute phase. Lesions can be more than one centimeter in size. Soft nodules can be present for years, but most will disappear within eight weeks. A normal white blood cell count is typical, but polymorphonuclear leucocytosis, an indicator of bacterial infection, might be present. Most symptoms disappear in two to three weeks.

Varicella Pneumonia During Pregnancy

• Pregnancy does not increase the risk of developing varicella pneumonia, but the contraction of the illness is considered a medical emergency. Left untreated, the prognosis is poor, as the mortality rate is higher than 40 percent. The use of acyclovir greatly reduces the risk of mortality and is the recommended course of treatment.

Treatment

• Gamma globulin may help prevent the development of varicella pneumonia, but firther studies are needed to determine its benefits. If the person is pregnant, an acyclovir regimen is recommended. The use of corticosteroids is controversial because it can cause rapid improvement in some cases, but has also proven to be completely ineffective. Corticosteroids are not harmful if they are administered during the initial stages of chicken pox. Antibiotics are not useful for treating varicella pneumonia, but they are often prescribed to prevent or control secondary bacterial infection. Intubation or mechanical ventilation can be necessary in severe cases.

Prognosis

• Varicella pneumonia can range from mild to severe, and the prognosis depends upon severity and treatment. If the illness is contracted by someone with neoplastic disease, the prognosis is poor. Pregnant women who develop varicella pneumonia have a high risk of fatality if the illness is left untreated. This illness is fairly unpredictable and can progress at a rapid rate. Medical care can greatly improve the expected outcome. Therefore, it is highly recommended that medical treatment be sought at the first sign of symptoms like those listed in this article.