Severe acute respiratory syndrome, also known by the acronyms SRAG or SARS, is a type of severe pneumonia that appeared in Asia and is easily spread from person to person, causing symptoms such as fever, headache and general malaise.
This disease can be caused by the corona virus (Sars-CoV) or by the H1N1 influenza, and must be treated quickly with medical help, as it can quickly evolve to severe respiratory failure, which can lead to death.
See what symptoms can indicate other types of pneumonia.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of SARS are similar to those of the common flu, initially appearing fever above 38ºC, headache, body pain and general malaise. But after about 5 days, other symptoms appear, such as:
- Persistent dry cough; Severe difficulty in breathing; Wheezing; Increased respiratory rate; Bluish or purplish fingers and mouth; Loss of appetite; Night sweats; Diarrhea.
Because it is a disease that worsens very quickly, about 10 days after the first signs, severe respiratory distress symptoms may appear and, therefore, many people may need to stay in the hospital or in the ICU to receive the help of breathing machines.
How to confirm the diagnosis
There is still no specific exam to identify SARS, and, therefore, the diagnosis is made mainly based on the symptoms presented and the history of the patient having or not having contact with other sick people.
In addition, the doctor may order diagnostic tests such as X-rays of the lungs and CT scans to assess lung health.
How it is transmitted
SARS is transmitted in the same way as common flu, through contact with the saliva of other sick people, especially during the period when symptoms are manifesting.
Thus, to avoid catching the disease it is necessary to have hygiene attitudes such as:
- Wash your hands well when in contact with sick people or places where these people have been; Wear protective masks to prevent transmission through saliva; Avoid sharing utensils with other people; Do not touch your mouth or eyes if you have dirty hands;
In addition, SARS is also transmitted through kisses and, for this reason, one must avoid very close contact with other sick people, especially if there is an exchange of saliva.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of SARS depends on the severity of the symptoms. Therefore, if they are light, the person can stay at home, maintaining rest, balanced food and drinking water to strengthen the body and fight the disease virus and avoid contact with people who are not sick or who have not received the flu vaccine H1N1.
In addition, analgesic and antipyretic remedies, such as Paracetamol or Dipyrone, can be used to relieve discomfort and facilitate recovery, and use of antivirals, such as Tamiflu, to reduce viral load and try to control infection.
In the most severe cases, in which breathing is very affected, it may be necessary to stay in the hospital to make the medicines directly in the vein and receive help from machines to breathe better.
Also check out some home remedies to relieve symptoms during recovery.
