How Does COVID-19 Affect The Lungs

COVID-19 is possibly one of the most dreaded diseases today, known to trigger severe viral pneumonia and cause acute difficulties in breathing, even deaths in extreme instances. If we can understand the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the lungs, then we will have a better chance of taking proper steps before the infection turns severe.

The Best Pulmonologists in Delhi at Saroj Hospital say that even after a considerable period after recovery, some individuals still experience breathing difficulties caused by COVID-19 infection. In such cases, it is best to take prompt action and consult with an experienced chest specialist i.e. pulmonologist.

Symptoms

Among those infected with the virus, a large number of people exhibit no symptoms at all. They are classified under the group of asymptomatic patients. They, however, may transmit the disease among others and hence may be a cause of a severe case in some other individual. Though these asymptomatic patients don’t show any considerable injury to their lungs, yet some anomalies have been noticed in the CT scans of some individuals. These anomalies raise concerns over the long-term effect of the disease on the lungs of such individuals.

The other group of people who get affected by the virus show symptoms. A more severe form of the disease may be caused due to risk factors like higher viral load, pre-existing diseases, age, genetic lineage, race as well as environmental issues. The available data is of individuals who were needed to be hospitalized. Thus they form the most severely affected group of people. The patients who get cured at home don’t visit hospitals. So there is a lack of imaging data and other clinical markers for those patients. Lung samples analyzed during post mortem of patients in Italy showed massive damage to the alveoli, congestion of the capillaries, pneumocyte necrosis, and the presence of interstitial edema. In cases where there is a chance of severe disease due to any risk factor, people should opt for options related to getting the Best Pulmonary Medicine Hospital in Delhi.

Covid pneumonia

One of the vital levels that were advised to be monitored in case of signs of progressive pneumonia in Covid-19 was the D-Dimer levels. As D-dimer levels progressed, the ability to breathe reduced drastically and patients had to be stabilized with supplemental oxygen. During these cases of Hypoxia, some patient’s SpO2 levels dropped massively, and they were required to be put on BiPAP machines or ventilators. These patients showed marked evidence of lung fibrosis in their CT scans after they recovered. Early treatments with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs like steroids have helped in reducing damage. The damages can be controlled with timely interventions, and choosing the Best Respiratory Medicine Hospital in Delhi can be a lifesaver in these instances.

Long-term lung damage

Long-term lung damages have been noticed with Covid-19 but, the disease is fairly new and damaged alveolar epithelium. The damage is primarily attributed to the development of cytokine storms in the body of the patients where proteins called cytokines that are responsible more time is needed to clearly understand what kind of problems it may manifest in the long run. Problems like feeling out of breath while running, or climbing the stairs, have been noticed in patients even after full recovery. One thing is for sure that if the disease becomes severe, the chances of long-term damage are more. The most common damage noticed, is fibrosis of the lungs which reduces the oxygenation capacity of the lungs. Whatever be the condition, proper guidance and monitoring at the right time can help reduceextreme conditions. Furthermore, it will also reduce long-term complications.

If you have recently recovered from Covid-19, or even if you have tested positive, make sure to talk with an expert pulmonologist for guidance. Reach out to Saroj Hospital, which is one of the top hospitals in Delhi for Covid-19 treatment.