Question 1

What is Varicella Pneumonitis?

Accepted Answer

Varicella pneumonitis is a rare but serious lung complication that occurs during chickenpox infection, primarily affecting adults and immunocompromised individuals. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) directly infecting lung tissue during acute chickenpox. The Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibodies IgG test is the most important test for confirming VZV infection when varicella pneumonitis is suspected.

Question 2

What causes varicella pneumonitis?

Accepted Answer

Varicella pneumonitis is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) spreading from the skin to the lungs during an active chickenpox infection. When someone gets chickenpox, the virus typically causes the characteristic itchy rash on the skin, but in rare cases, the virus travels through the bloodstream and directly infects lung tissue. This lung infection is much more common in adults, pregnant women, smokers, and people with weakened immune systems, who are at higher risk of developing this serious complication compared to healthy children.

Question 3

What is the best test for varicella pneumonitis?

Accepted Answer

The Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibodies IgG test is the most important blood test for varicella pneumonitis because it confirms whether you have an active or recent VZV infection causing your lung symptoms. This test detects IgG antibodies your immune system produces in response to the varicella-zoster virus, with high levels indicating the virus is present in your body. While the diagnosis of varicella pneumonitis itself requires chest X-rays or CT scans to see lung inflammation, the VZV antibody test is essential for confirming that chickenpox is the underlying cause, which guides doctors to start appropriate antiviral treatment quickly.

Question 4

When should I get tested for varicella pneumonitis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have chickenpox and develop breathing problems such as cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or rapid breathing, especially if you are an adult, pregnant, or have a weakened immune system. Testing is urgent if you notice these respiratory symptoms appearing within the first few days of your chickenpox rash, as varicella pneumonitis typically develops early in the infection. Anyone with chickenpox who smokes or has never had the chickenpox vaccine should also seek testing promptly if any breathing difficulties occur, as these factors significantly increase your risk for this potentially life-threatening complication.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of varicella pneumonitis?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of varicella pneumonitis include persistent dry cough, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, chest pain that worsens with deep breaths, and fever, usually appearing 1-6 days after the chickenpox rash develops. You might notice that you feel much sicker than expected with chickenpox, experiencing significant shortness of breath even at rest. Other warning signs include bluish discoloration of the lips or fingertips due to low oxygen levels, severe fatigue, and rapid heart rate, all occurring while you still have active chickenpox blisters on your skin.

Question 6

Who is at risk for varicella pneumonitis?

Accepted Answer

Adults over age 20 are at highest risk for varicella pneumonitis, with the complication occurring 25 times more often in adults than in children with chickenpox. Pregnant women, especially in their third trimester, face particularly high risk, as do people with weakened immune systems from HIV, cancer treatment, or immune-suppressing medications. Smokers and people with chronic lung diseases like asthma or COPD also have significantly increased risk of developing this lung complication when they get chickenpox.

Question 7

What happens if varicella pneumonitis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated varicella pneumonitis can progress to severe respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, with mortality rates ranging from 10-30% in high-risk patients. The infection can cause extensive lung damage, leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) where the lungs fill with fluid and cannot provide adequate oxygen to the body. Without prompt antiviral treatment, patients may develop secondary bacterial pneumonia, sepsis, or long-term lung scarring that permanently affects breathing capacity, making early recognition and treatment absolutely critical for survival.

Question 8

Can varicella pneumonitis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests cannot diagnose varicella pneumonitis directly, but the Varicella-Zoster Virus Antibodies IgG test is essential for confirming the underlying VZV infection causing your lung symptoms. The actual diagnosis of pneumonitis requires chest imaging like X-rays or CT scans that show characteristic patterns of lung inflammation and infection. Blood tests support the diagnosis by proving that varicella-zoster virus is present in your body, helping doctors distinguish this condition from other types of pneumonia and guiding the decision to start antiviral medications like acyclovir.

Question 9

How is varicella pneumonitis treated?

Accepted Answer

Varicella pneumonitis is treated with high-dose intravenous antiviral medication, typically acyclovir, which must be started as early as possible to prevent progression and reduce mortality. Treatment usually requires hospitalization for several days to a week, where doctors provide oxygen support to help you breathe and monitor your lung function closely. In severe cases, patients may need intensive care with mechanical ventilation to support breathing while the antiviral medication fights the virus, and supportive care including fluids, fever management, and sometimes antibiotics if secondary bacterial infection develops.

Question 10

How can I prevent varicella pneumonitis?

Accepted Answer

The best prevention is getting the chickenpox vaccine if you have never had chickenpox, which is over 90% effective at preventing infection and nearly 100% effective at preventing severe complications like pneumonitis. If you are exposed to chickenpox and are at high risk (pregnant, immunocompromised, or an adult who never had chickenpox), ask your doctor about varicella-zoster immune globulin (VZIG), which can prevent or reduce the severity of infection if given within 96 hours of exposure. Adults who develop chickenpox should avoid smoking and seek immediate medical attention if any respiratory symptoms appear, as early antiviral treatment can prevent progression to pneumonitis.

Question 11

What can I do at home for varicella pneumonitis?

Accepted Answer

Varicella pneumonitis is a medical emergency that requires immediate hospitalization and cannot be safely managed at home with natural remedies, as this condition can rapidly become life-threatening without antiviral medication and oxygen support. If you suspect you have this complication, you must go to the emergency room immediately rather than attempting home treatment. Once you are discharged from the hospital after treatment, home care focuses on recovery: get plenty of rest, stay well-hydrated, use a humidifier to ease breathing, avoid smoking and secondhand smoke completely, and follow up closely with your doctor to monitor lung healing.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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Varicella Pneumonitis Blood Test

What is Varicella Pneumonitis?

What causes varicella pneumonitis?

What is the best test for varicella pneumonitis?

When should I get tested for varicella pneumonitis?

References

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