Silent pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that does not cause the typical symptoms of pneumonia, such as high fever, dry cough or phlegm, shortness of breath and chest pain, however, they may be present in a mild form.
This type of pneumonia, also popularly known as “asymptomatic” pneumonia, can be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi, and be transmitted to other people through respiratory droplets released when the infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
Read too: Pneumonia: what it is, symptoms, types, causes and treatment
If silent pneumonia is suspected, a pulmonologist or general practitioner should be consulted to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment, which normally involves rest, hydration and the use of antibiotics or anti-inflammatories, and respiratory support in the most serious cases. .
Silent pneumonia symptoms
The main symptoms of silent pneumonia are:
- Fever with chills;
- Excessive tiredness;
- General malaise;
- Pain in the body, head, ear or throat;
- Loss of appetite;
- Running nose;
- Dry cough or phlegm, which worsens over time;
- Chest pain from coughing.
The symptoms of silent pneumonia are milder than typical pneumonia and can be confused with mild flu or cold symptoms, and generally appear about 2 to 3 weeks after the infection begins. Know how to identify all the symptoms of pneumonia.
Furthermore, as this type of pneumonia has milder and more gradual symptoms, it is common for it to be diagnosed in more advanced stages, as it may take a long time for the person to see a doctor.
Symptoms of childhood silent pneumonia
Symptoms of childhood silent pneumonia are also milder and may include:
- Lack of appetite;
- Irritability;
- Low fever;
- Difficulty breathing;
- Cough that does not improve;
- Excessive tiredness or fatigue;
- Vomiting.
If the baby or child shows signs of childhood silent pneumonia, they should be taken to the pediatrician to confirm the diagnosis and begin the most appropriate treatment.
Read too: Pneumonia in children: symptoms, causes and treatment
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of silent pneumonia is made by a pulmonologist or general practitioner by evaluating symptoms, health history and physical examination by asking the person to breathe in and out, while listening to the lungs with a stethoscope.
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In addition, the doctor must also perform an oximetry test, placing a device on one of the fingers of the hand to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor must order a chest X-ray or computed tomography examination, in addition to other tests such as sputum testing, bronchoscopy and pleural fluid culture, to identify the infection and which microorganism is causing the silent pneumonia. .
Possible causes
Silent pneumonia is caused by inflammation in one or both lungs, caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi, and can affect anyone at any age.
Read too: Bilateral pneumonia: what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment
This type of pneumonia can be more serious in babies, children or the elderly, as they have a weaker immune system, as well as people who use immunosuppressive medications or who have immunodeficiencies.
How transmission happens
Silent pneumonia can be transmitted through inhalation of droplets of saliva or nasal secretions released when the infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
In addition, silent pneumonia can also be transmitted through contact with viruses, fungi or bacteria present in contaminated air, soil or bird feces.
Read too: How is pneumonia contagious and how to prevent it
This type of pneumonia is highly contagious because as it causes mild symptoms, the person with the disease can easily transmit the microorganisms to other people.
How the treatment is carried out
The treatment of silent pneumonia is the same as that of atypical pneumonia and must be carried out under the guidance of a pulmonologist or general practitioner and varies according to the microorganism that caused the infection.
Thus, the treatment of silent pneumonia can be done with anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce inflammation in the lungs, or antibiotic medicines to fight bacteria, in the case of bacterial pneumonia.
Read too: 8 antibiotics for pneumonia (and other treatments)
The doctor may also prescribe antifungal medications for fungal pneumonia, or some antiviral medications, in the case of viral pneumonia.
Furthermore, rest and increased fluid intake are recommended to facilitate recovery and, in some cases, hospitalization may be necessary to apply medication into the vein and provide respiratory support. See all treatment options for pneumonia.
Also watch the following video with more details on how silent pneumonia is treated:
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