What complication associated with chickenpox is commonly seen in adults?

Pneumonia is a well-documented complication associated with chickenpox, particularly in adults. Although chickenpox is often a mild illness in children, adults face a higher risk of severe complications due to differences in immune response and overall health status.

Viral pneumonia can occur due to the varicella-zoster virus, which can lead to morbidity in adult patients. The risk of pneumonia is significantly increased in adults who contract chickenpox compared to children, making this complication particularly noteworthy in this population. Signs of pneumonia can include cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain, and it may require hospitalization for management in severe cases.

While other complications such as meningitis and encephalitis can also occur, they are less commonly associated with chickenpox compared to pneumonia. Encephalitis can arise in certain cases but is rare; rheumatoid arthritis is not a complication linked to chickenpox; its presence is unrelated to the viral illness. Therefore, pneumonia stands out as a significant and common complication in adults suffering from chickenpox.