Poor memory, heavy sweating, and other complications from covid that may appear after 3 months

Head of the cardiology center, cardiologist of the Federal Research Center of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia

Before the illness, I went in for sports, went to the pool, now, with any load, the pulse quickens, and my breathing becomes short. How to get back to normal life?

– Coronavirus affects both the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. One of the reasons for complications is an increased immune response to the introduction of the virus into cells. It leads to severe damage to the lungs, and in some people to myocarditis (damage to the heart muscle), which is manifested by signs of heart failure, heart rhythm disturbances. Another cause of complications in COVID-19 can be thrombosis. The virus enters cells, destroying the inner cell layer. Because of this, the regulation of the blood coagulation system is disrupted, which leads to the appearance of blood clots.

Pathology often causes heart attack, stroke or pulmonary embolism. Infection with COVID-19 is especially dangerous for people with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases. The infection negatively affects the condition of the vascular walls, which leads to an increase in blood pressure. Therefore, for patients with atherosclerosis or diabetes mellitus, coronavirus disease is especially dangerous. In addition, due to the disruption of the normal functioning of the respiratory system, the blood is less saturated with oxygen, which increases the load on the heart. Constant work in an enhanced mode leads to depletion of the heart muscle. Sometimes the consequences are revealed only after 2-3 months from the moment of recovery. Therefore, if shortness of breath persists for a long time after an infection, attacks of suffocation, swelling of the lower extremities, tachycardia, chest pain, increased sweating appear, it is imperative to consult a cardiologist.

Neurologist, neuropsychologist

I noticed that after the COVID-19 illness I became scattered, I do not remember new information. What is the reason for this and which specialist should I contact?

– Many patients have cognitive impairments of varying severity. Two studies in France and China have shown that more than a third of patients experience neurological symptoms. Most often it is absent-mindedness, problems with concentration, impairment of memory and attention. Even young people are complaining. The topic is still little studied, but we can already talk about several reasons for dysfunction of the brain. First, hypoxia. Due to pneumonia developing against the background of coronavirus, less oxygen begins to enter the body. First of all, this affects the work of neurons – not receiving enough nutrition, they slow down. You have probably noticed that in a stuffy room, attention becomes scattered, it is difficult to concentrate on something, it makes you sleepy. Brain cells are in approximately this state with a lack of oxygen.

The second reason is that SARS-CoV-2 affects the cells of the central nervous system. Among them are astrocytes, which are responsible for long-term memory, and neurons, on which the brain as a whole depends. The fewer connections between neurons and the lower the number of these cells, the more pronounced the cognitive impairment. Third, the psychosomatic component associated with stress and fear. Memory and attention problems can persist for a long time, and brain recovery can take up to several years. The reversibility of changes is also little studied, but I would not rule out such a possibility. If you experience confusion and concentration problems that reduce your quality of life, it is worth seeing a specialist.

Allergist-immunologist, pediatrician

Three months ago I underwent a course of treatment for coronavirus, but I just can’t come to my senses. I am constantly tired, had a cold, then caught cystitis. What is the reason for this?

– Currently, there is not enough convincing data on the long-term consequences of the postponed COVID-19. However, according to the results of some studies, people who have had a new coronavirus infection may experience a weakening of some of the body’s protective functions. This can be expressed in an increase in susceptibility to other viruses, the addition of secondary bacterial infections, and exacerbation of chronic diseases. In those who have recovered, especially in severe form, lymphopenia may be observed for some time – a decrease in the level of lymphocytes in the blood, important components of the immune system. On the one hand, SARS-CoV-2, which attacks cells, is to blame for this, and on the other hand, it is the peculiarities of the work of one’s own immune system in response to infection.

The method of treatment also matters. Some drugs, while supporting one vital function, inhibit another. Such a decrease in individual links of the immune system after an illness is temporary. This is not an immunodeficiency, not a disease, so the use of drugs is not indicated. It can take several weeks to several months to recover, and it is important to help yourself during this time. It is enough to move, eat a balanced diet, get quality rest, and avoid stress. Algorithms have been developed for monitoring patients who have undergone COVID-19, including those with concomitant pathology, and it is important not to neglect the doctor’s recommendations.

After the transferred infection, a complex of fortifying measures is recommended:

• adherence to the daily routine;

• with asthenic syndrome – daytime sleep;

• the formation of tolerance to physical activity;

• a diet with a sufficient amount of easily digestible protein, enriched with fruits and vegetables;

• taking vitamin and mineral complexes;

• exercise therapy.

Head of the Department of Dermatovenereology and Cosmetology of the Academy of Postgraduate Education of the Federal State Budgetary Institution FNKTs FMBA of Russia, member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV), Ph.D., Associate Professor

In the fall, she was ill with covid. Recently I noticed that my hair is falling out. What to do, is it related to a new infection?

– Information about an unusual complication, hair loss, first appeared in the summer of 2020. The symptom is observed within 1-3 months, there is an explanation for this. One of the points of application of the virus is the vessels, as a result of its attack, the microcirculation of blood in the tissues is disrupted. Hair loss can result from the toxic effects of medications used. And the very fact of COVID-19 disease causes stress in many patients, which can also contribute to the problem. After all, the tissue of hair follicles is rapidly dividing cells that react to toxins and nervous tension.

During any illness with a high temperature, the body is in a state of intoxication, metabolic and microcirculatory disorders occur in it, which can lead to hair loss. What to do? You need to calm down, be patient and recuperate after an illness. It is recommended to do a clinical blood test, to assess the level of iron in the blood, folic acid and vitamin B₁₂… The specialist selects medicines and vitamin complexes. In some cases, physiotherapeutic procedures (phototherapy, microcurrents), mesotherapy of the scalp, and plasma lifting are recommended.

Dermatovenereologist, cosmetologist, laser medicine specialist

I have never had any special skin problems before, and after the coronavirus, a rash and acne periodically began to appear. Is there a connection?

– With any infections, the inflammatory reaction in the body increases, which cannot but affect the condition of the skin. Inflammation is a provoking factor, it leads to the appearance of dermatological diseases. After COVID-19, the number of patients with acne and rosacea increased, patients complain of dry, sensitive skin. If the patient has oily skin with increased sebum production, acne worsens. In dry skin, inflammation can damage the epidermal barrier and contribute to accelerated evaporation of moisture from the skin (PEP) and increased dryness. When the barrier function is insufficient, the skin is the gateway for infection. The problem must be solved comprehensively, it is best to seek help from a dermatologist, he will adjust the diet and offer comprehensive treatment.

Family physician, general practitioner, chief physician of the southeastern cluster of the Nearmedic group of companies

Had been ill with covid in a severe form. What should you pay attention to? The saturation level is measured twice a day until the oxygen content in the blood does not exceed 95%.

– COVID-19 is still a poorly understood disease, so after the disease it is advisable to go through a range of diagnostics and identify complications. If there is a problem, you should not act on the basis of conflicting information on the Internet, the treatment should be prescribed by a specialist. It is necessary to listen to all the manifestations and changes in the body, especially people with chronic diseases in general and people with pathologies of the cardiovascular system, especially the respiratory system.

It is also worth remembering: if a person has had a coronavirus infection, this does not mean that he is protected from other acute respiratory viral infections. Therefore, after recovery, it is recommended to refrain from visiting crowded places, because there is a chance of contracting not only coronavirus, but also other acute respiratory viral infections. Protect yourself from hypothermia, from contact with people who carry an acute respiratory viral infection.

To maintain immunity after an illness, as well as after other infectious diseases, you can use vitamin complexes, preparations of interferon inducers, which are prescribed by a doctor, do not forget about proper balanced nutrition, good sleep, moderate physical activity and walks in the fresh air.

Leading expert of the Center for Molecular Diagnostics CMD Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor

Patient screening program after coronavirus infection

Minimum level suitable for those with mild or no symptoms. It includes a general clinical blood test, determination of the level of C-reactive protein and D-dimer. It is also necessary to make sure that there is no active inflammatory process and there are no laboratory signs of an increased risk of thrombus formation.

Main program suitable for all patients, regardless of the severity of the disease. Includes a wider range of markers. For example, to determine the level of vitamin D. In Russia, its deficiency is a common phenomenon, and studies show a connection between a lack of vitamin D and an increased risk of infectious diseases, including COVID-19. It may be necessary to conduct electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography, assessment of respiratory function, assessment of the level of blood oxygen saturation.

Maximum listb supplemented by the determination of the level of ferritin, which, like C-reactive protein, is a marker of inflammation. It also includes screening for autoimmune diseases, as many viral diseases can provoke them. The connection between COVID-19 and the development of autoimmune processes has yet to be fully assessed, but if the patient continues to have postcoid syndrome for a long time, it is advisable to make sure that this is not a manifestation of the disease.