Varicella Pneumonia

VZV pneumonia occurs mainly in adults, winter-spring. Pneumonia symptoms 2-6 days after rash (also before/10 days after). Mild cases recover in days; most have high fever (up to 40°C), cough, hemoptysis, chest pain; severe dyspnea/respiratory failure. X-ray: diffuse nodular/reticular bilateral infiltrates, hilar/basal, pleural effusions. 40% hypoxic cyanosis; 1-2 week absorption; residual calcifications. Diagnosis: contact history, typical varicella rash, pneumonia on X-ray.

Common Symptoms

Hypoxemia; respiratory failure; dyspnea; cough; pulmonary lesions; cyanosis

Causes and Pathogenesis

VZV is an α-herpesvirus dsDNA, 150-200 nm. Enters via respiratory tract, replicates in nasopharynx, viremia via monocytes; skin rash (trunk/limbs crops). Severe cases involve lungs/brain/liver/kidney/GI/myocardium/arthritis. Pathology: diffuse interstitial pneumonia; peribronchiolar/mononuclear infiltrates; intranuclear inclusions in desquamated cells; fibrin/hyaline membranes; focal necrosis/hemorrhage; pleural nodules/effusions; later calcification.

Treatment

Drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Strict isolation until crusting; VZIG/Ig IM for exposed children; IV acyclovir or live attenuated vaccine for immunocompromised/pregnant contacts.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Respiratory department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.