A group of viruses belonging to the Parainfluenza virus that cause upper and lower respiratory infections.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
There are four serotypes of Parainfluenza virus, all of which are associated with causing disease. Parainfluenza can cause upper respiratory infections and lower respiratory tract infections (pneumonia) in both adults and children. The virus is especially important in children because it is responsible for approximately 40 percent to 50 percent of all cases of croup and 10 percent to 15 percent of bronchiolitis and bronchitis and some pneumonias. The incidence of parainfluenza is unknown but suspected to be very high. Illness causing only a runny nose and cold-like symptoms may pass as a simple cold rather than parainfluenza. Risk factors include young age. By school age most children have been exposed to parainfluenza virus. Most adults have antibodies against parainfluenza although they can get repeat infections.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for the viral infection. Specific treatments are available for the symptoms of croup and bronchiolitis .
Expectations (prognosis)
Most infections in adults and older children are mild and recovery takes place without treatment, unless they have abnormal immune systems or are very old. Medical intervention may be necessary if breathing difficulties or respiratory distress develop.
Complications
Secondary bacterial infections are the most common complication. Airway obstruction in croup and bronchiolitis can be severe, even life-threatening.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if your child develops croup , wheezing or any other type of breathing difficulty . You may wish to call your health care provider for children under 18 months of age with upper respiratory symptoms (even without evidence of airway obstruction ).
Prevention
There are no vaccines available for parainfluenza. Parainfluenza infections may be seasonal usually in the fall and winter. Avoiding crowds and limiting exposure during peak outbreaks may decrease the likelihood of infection. Parainfluenza infections are most severe in infants and become less severe with age. Limiting exposure, such as day-care and full nurseries, may delay infection until the child is older.