Hidden pneumonia in adults: symptoms, causes and characteristics of treatment
What is Hidden Pneumonia? Symptoms in adults with this disease are not expressed. Often, the disease proceeds without coughing or fever. Nevertheless, it is possible to identify pathology by some indirect signs that indicate the onset of infection, as well as the development of inflammatory processes in the body.
What are the symptoms of latent pneumonia in adults? What is dangerous disease? What factors lead to the development of ailment? What is the treatment? All this will be discussed in our publication.
General Information
The latent form of pneumonia, also called "silent", is the development of inflammatory processes that occur in the lung tissue. Usually pathology affects a certain segment of the respiratory organs. For this reason, the symptoms of latent pneumonia in adults are not expressed in the occurrence of any discomfort, for example, pain in the chest, as is the case with normal pneumonia.
Because it is difficult to identify the disease at an early stage, the development of an ailment is fraught with the emergence of a whole mass of complications. Often the lack of quality diagnostics and adequate treatment for a long time leads to a lethal outcome. That is why it is so important to know how to detect asymptomatic latent pneumonia.
Causes of
Symptoms of latent pneumonia in adults may occur due to the following reasons:
- With a significant decrease in immunity, which leads to the defeat of respiratory tissues by pathogens of infections;
- In the case of adaptation of the body to active substances in certain pharmacological preparations of antibacterial action, which are used for the treatment of other diseases;
- If, during the development of a cough, the natural process of sputum discharge from the respiratory tract is disturbed.
Let us dwell on each reason separately. The main aspect that causes symptoms of latent pneumonia in adults without coughing is the weakening of the protective functions of the body. Against this background, inflammatory processes in the lung tissue develop. Deterioration of the state of health without severe indisposition often causes the patient to use antibiotics without consulting a doctor. However, this decision often only aggravates the situation. After all, the use of unsuitable drugs causes the adaptation of pathogens to the active substances of the drugs. It is in such situations that symptoms of latent pneumonia in adults may manifest. Treatment with such amateur performance will be much more difficult.
Also it is necessary to say a few words about the sputum discharge. The presented secret of pulmonary alveoli acts as the natural physiological environment of the body. Together with phlegm, pathogenic bacteria are removed, particles of dirt and dust that enter the respiratory organs. If there is an impaired secretion from the body, an excellent nutrient medium is created for pathogenic microorganisms. The latter can cause symptoms of latent asymptomatic pneumonia.
Signs of the development of the disease
So, let's find out what symptoms of latent pneumonia in adults. The signs of such a disease are not expressed. Identify the ailment can only be by some indirect symptoms. Among them is worth mentioning:
- The appearance of dyspnea and rapid heart rate with minimal physical exertion;
- The presence of mild pain in the lungs when performing a sharp inhalation;
- Pale skin on the face, the appearance of bright spots of blush;
- Whistling sounds when inhaled and exhaled;
- Increased fatigue, impairment, general malaise;
- Sleep disorders, increased emotional irritability.
It should be noted that the symptom of latent pneumonia in adults does not appear elevated temperature, which is often observed with ordinary pneumonia. In some cases, its indicators jump only one or several degrees.
Diagnostics
An experienced physician is fully capable of detecting pneumonia in a latent form in the early stages. First, the specialist conducts a conversation with the patient, paying attention to the characteristic complaints. Then he resorts to listening to the patient's chest with a stethoscope. If extraneous rales are observed in the lungs, a blood test is performed, during which biochemical deviations are noted. In addition, a study of the structure of sputum, as well as fluorography diagnosis of pulmonary tissue, can be performed.
What is not recommended for suspected hidden pneumonia?
If signs of development of ailment are noted, in no case should you resort to the following actions:
- Take unprotected antibacterial drugs. The use of certain pharmacological agents is justified only after examining the composition of sputum, as well as determining the sensitivity of the organism to certain active substances in the composition of drugs.
- Warm up the chest and resort to procedures that involve exposure to a high temperature body. It means taking hot baths, visiting saunas and baths.
- Take medications that reduce body temperature.
- Continue to engage in daily activities in the familiar mode, as well as expose the body to significant physical stress.
Drug therapy
Treatment of pneumonia in a latent form requires a comprehensive intake of pharmacological agents. First and foremost, a doctor should be prescribed medications that can eliminate the root cause of the disease. If there is damage to the body by infectious agents, appropriate antifungal, antibacterial or antiviral agents are used.
Of particular importance is the use of drugs that facilitate the separation of mucus from the bronchi. To the presented category of medicines are special essential oils and syrups.
During the use of medication, the patient is prescribed a special diet, drinking plenty, observance of bed rest. Among other things, the doctor can decide on the need for physiotherapy, physiotherapy.
Drug treatment with a latent form of pneumonia, usually lasts for several weeks. The speed of recovery directly depends on the timely diagnosis, the patient's clear compliance with the recommendations of the attending physician.
Treatment with folk remedies
It is impossible to cure pneumonia that occurs in a latent form, relying only on certain methods of traditional medicine. Such therapy should act as an adjunct to the reception of pharmacological agents. The purpose of using traditional methods of therapy is to alleviate the general condition.
So, what are the most effective recipes? Attention deserve the following:
- Compresses based on warm curd mass. About 100 grams of raw materials are used. A tablespoon of honey is added. The composition is mixed until a uniform mass is formed. Then the product is heated on the battery. This compress is superimposed on the chest and held for several hours.
- Decoction of raisins. The basis of the medicine is crushed with the help of a meat grinder. The raw material is poured into a glass of boiled water and infused for 10 minutes. In order to improve the overall condition with latent pneumonia, the remedy is taken orally several times a day.
- Infusion of thyme. A couple tablespoons of dry herb collection is poured into a glass of boiling water. It persists for 3-4 hours in a dark place. Healing infusion is taken 3 times a day.
- Breast collection. About 2 tablespoons of dry raw material is poured into a glass of boiling water. Healing herbs are infused for several hours. Then the composition is carefully filtered. The medicine is taken 2-3 times a day.
Prevention
To avoid the development of pneumonia in a latent form, it is worth following the following recommendations:
- Refuse bad habits, in particular abuse of smoking and alcohol;
- Try to be less nervous, avoid worrying, stress, which can lead to a decrease in immunity;
- Do not resort to self-treatment for the development of colds;
- Take a contrast shower for body hardening;
- Go in for sports and periodically hold respiratory gymnastics, which in the future will reduce the burden on lung tissue;
- Regularly conduct wet cleaning of housing.
- Occasionally undergo lung fluorography, visit a physician for examination.
In conclusion
Here we have examined the causes and symptoms of latent pneumonia in adults, as well as the methods of treatment. Finally it is worth noting that the disease itself does not pass. Untimely, inadequate treatment is fraught with damage to the lung tissue. The result is often the atrophy of certain parts of the respiratory organs, which can no longer participate in natural gas exchange.
Adopting thoughtless decisions, as well as unwillingness to consult a doctor, often leads to significant complications, and sometimes even death. However, therapy with the use of suitable medications makes it possible to completely and completely eliminate the problem.