Parainfluenza
Parainfluenza: Excerpt from Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition)
Parainfluenza refers to any of a group of respiratory illnesses caused by paramyxoviruses, a subgroup of the myxoviruses. Affecting both the upper and lower respiratory tracts, these self-limiting diseases resemble influenza but are milder and seldom fatal.
Causes and incidence
Parainfluenza is transmitted by direct contact or by inhalation of contaminated airborne droplets. Paramyxoviruses occur in four forms — Para 1 to 4 — that are linked to several diseases: croup (Para 1, 2, 3); acute febrile respiratory illnesses (1, 2, 3); the common cold (1, 3, 4); pharyngitis (1, 3, 4); bronchitis (1, 3); and bronchopneumonia (1, 3). Para 3 ranks second to respiratory syncytial viruses as the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children. Para 4 rarely causes symptomatic infections in humans.
Parainfluenza is rare among adults but widespread among children, especially males. By age 8, most children demonstrate antibodies to Para 1 and Para 3. Most adults have antibodies to all four types as a result of childhood infections and subsequent multiple exposures. Incidence rises in the winter and spring.
Signs and symptoms
After a short incubation period (usually 3 to 6 days), signs and symptoms emerge that are similar to those of other respiratory diseases: sudden fever, nasal discharge, reddened throat (with little or no exudate), chills, and muscle pain. Bacterial complications are uncommon, but in infants and very young children, parainfluenza may lead to croup or laryngotracheobronchitis. Reinfection is usually less severe and affects only the upper respiratory tract.
Diagnosis
Parainfluenza infections are usually clinically indistinguishable from similar viral infections. A swab of nasal secretions is useful for rapid viral testing. Isolation of the virus and serum antibody titers differentiate parainfluenza from other respiratory illness but is rarely done.
Treatment
Parainfluenza may require no treatment or bed rest, antipyretics, analgesics, and antitussives, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Complications, such as croup and pneumonia, require appropriate treatment. No vaccine is effective against parainfluenza.
Special considerations
❑Throughout the illness, monitor respiratory status and temperature, and ensure adequate fluid intake and rest.
Book Source Details
- Book Title: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition)
- Author(s): Springhouse
- Year of Publication: 2005
- Copyright Details: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), Copyright © 2005 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
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Copyright notice for book excerpts: Copyright © 2008 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved.
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