learn more about the disease that culminated in the death of Silvio Santos

Presenter and businessman Silvio Santos passed away on Saturday afternoon (17), in São Paulo. He had been hospitalized since July at the Albert Einstein Hospital due to an infection by the H1N1 virus. Although he was discharged during that period, his condition evolved into pneumonia, and he did not survive.

Bronchopneumonia causes inflammation in the alveoli

The alveoli are lung structures responsible for exchanging oxygen with the blood. Pneumonia is caused by microorganisms (viruses, bacteria or fungi) or by inhaling substances that affect the lungs. In certain cases, a viral and bacterial infection can occur simultaneously.

_{Bronchopneumonia transmission system (Photo: reproduction/Instagram/Unifesp)}

Types of pneumonia

The flu is caused by the influenza virus, while the common cold is caused by the rhinovirus; both are common causes of pneumonia in adults. The bronchopneumonia that led to Silvio’s death was caused by the H1N1 influenza virus, as reported by Albert Einstein. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the main cause of viral pneumonia in young children, but other viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, can also cause it.

Bacterial pneumonia is mainly caused by pneumococcus, while fungal pneumonia commonly affects people with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems, especially after inhaling fungi found in soil or bird droppings. Bronchopneumonia, a type of pneumonia, causes inflammation in the alveoli, which are responsible for oxygen exchange in the lungs. Pulmonologist José Pereira Rodrigues, from BP – A Beneficência Portuguesa in São Paulo, says that both general pneumonia and bronchopneumonia have similar treatments and symptoms.

Transmission

According to the Ministry of Health, pneumonia can be transmitted through the air, saliva, secretions or, during winter, due to sudden changes in temperature. These variations affect the function of the nasal hairs, which help filter the air, resulting in greater exposure to microorganisms that cause the disease.

The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) says pneumonia can affect people of all ages, but two groups are at higher risk of developing more severe forms:

• Infants and children 2 years of age and younger are at higher risk due to the immature development of their immune systems, especially premature infants.
• Adults aged 65 and older are also at high risk, as their immune systems generally weaken with age, and they are more likely to have chronic conditions that increase their vulnerability to pneumonia.

Treatment

Treatment varies depending on the type of pneumonia: for bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics are prescribed, while viral pneumonia only requires medication to relieve symptoms, such as fever and pain.

When diagnosed and treated properly, pneumonia rarely gets worse. Without treatment, it can develop into severe forms, even leading to death.

Featured photo: Silvio Santos presenting his program (Reproduction/SBT)