Beware of the Silent Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a well-known disease. It is actually an infection of the lungs. The little hollow structures present in the lungs called alveoli which help one in breathing are affected. They may get filled with either water like fluid or in worst cases pus. The patients are generally required to be admitted to a hospital and in worst cases, may lose their lives.

Pneumonia in most of its forms is a painful condition to have as it leads to a fever usually as high as 106 with a pinching pain in the chest along with many other symptoms. There is however, a type of pneumonia known as the silent pneumonia, which has milder symptoms and may even remain undiagnosed for a long time. It is nevertheless important that silent pneumonia is treated in time. Consider going to a chest specialist in Karachi for help if you experience the symptoms described below.

What is silent pneumonia?

Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, virus or fungi but silent pneumonia is mostly caused by a bacterium known as Mycoplasma. It is a condition with slow development and the symptoms may occur after as long as twenty five days post exposure. The condition is not as painful as normal pneumonia but it cannot be ignored. Treatment is necessary because it can become dangerous if not treated for a long time leading to heart diseases and disorders of the nervous system including inflammation of the brain.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of silent pneumonia are very much like the symptoms of a common flu, which is the prime reason leading to its usual late diagnosis. An awareness of these symptoms however, is important so that you can talk to the best chest specialist in Multan or your own locality, before the condition becomes worse. Some common symptoms of the silent pneumonia are as follows

• Dry cough: A cough that gets worse at night and comes in fits is the most important symptom of silent pneumonia
• Headache: A continuous headache which becomes worse with time is another common symptom
• Fever: The fever experienced in this condition is not as high as the one experienced in normal pneumonia but it is persistent.
• Chills: The fever is usually accompanied by chills.
• Sore throat: A sore and scratchy throat is another major symptom of the silent pneumonia.
• Chest pain: Pain in chest is experienced while breathing.

Treatment:

Although its symptoms are like flu, silent pneumonia does not go away with rest and fluids. It can only be cured through antibiotics. The dosage and prescription must be moderated by a respiratory specialist. Along with medicine a balanced diet and rest can help in a speedy recovery. Care is required while interacting with other individuals as the disease is contagious and one can spread the disease to others for as long as ten days. It can be transmitted through coughing and sneezing.

If you are experiencing pneumonia like symptoms, then you should meet a lung specialist in Karachi as soon as possible. You can also book an appointment with top pulmonologists in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad through oladoc.com or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 to get directed to specialist that can cater specifically to your needs.