What Happens to the Lungs After COVID-19? The doctors did not encounter such complications

Interstitial pneumonia is a disease well known to doctors, but caused by SARS-Cov-2, it is surprisingly rapid and has severe complications. Pulmonologist prof. dr hab. n. med. Piotr Kuna estimates that so far medics have not encountered such complications. “They are often patients who have completely damaged lungs, often 100%.” – says the doctor. Fortunately, there’s good news too.

1. SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia surprises doctors with its rapid course and severe complications
2. The pathogen affects all of the lungs, not just some of them. The disease progresses very rapidly, leading to severe respiratory failure and total dysregulation of the immune response. The result is death
3. Treatment of interstitial pneumonia is by giving the patient more oxygen and administering anti-inflammatory drugs
4.  In extreme situations, the only chance is a lung transplant
5. You can find more up-to-date information on the TvoiLokony home page

Lungs after COVID-19 – often totally damaged

According to specialists, pneumonia caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus differs from the previously known varieties of this disease. – The entire lungs are attacked, not only part of them, the disease develops extremely rapidly, often leads to severe respiratory failure and total dysregulation of the immune response, which unfortunately results in death – explains Prof. Piotr Kuna, head of the XNUMXnd Department of Internal Medicine and the Department of Internal Diseases, Asthma and Allergy at the Medical University of Lodz.

In his opinion, interstitial pneumonia should not be associated with the so-called a cytokine storm, i.e. a violent reaction of the immune system, faced by patients suffering from the most severe form of COVID-19. It is also different from the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) to which it is often assigned.

– This pneumonia is often complicated by bacterial superinfections and is much more fatal. We have not dealt with such a large number of such severe inflammations so far. They are often patients who have completely damaged lungs, often 100% of which cannot be saved – says prof. Marten.

The scientist adds that in interstitial pneumonia caused by SARS-Cov-2, exudates in the alveoli of the lungs, which prevent oxygen from reaching the vessels, which are distributed with the blood throughout the body. Thus, the basic function of the lungs is disturbed, and thus – the functioning of the whole organism.

1. What do the lungs look like after COVID-19?

COVID-19 and interstitial pneumonia. Treatment

Treatment of interstitial pneumonia is by giving the person more oxygen. Anti-inflammatory drugs are added to oxygen therapy. The trouble is, often the remains of the disease are fibrosis in the lungs, and there is no cure for that – all you can do is stop the development of pneumonia and prevent secondary fibrous changes.

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In order to relieve the lungs in severe conditions, extracorporeal circulation ECMO, i.e. the so-called artificial lungs, is used. In extreme situations, the only chance is a lung transplant. Let’s face it – this is not a massively used method, says the scientist.

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Patients who had to be treated in the hospital are at risk of the most severe respiratory complications, especially when they had to be connected to a ventilator.

Lungs after COVID-19. How to regenerate them?

Fortunately, the lungs have the miraculous quality of being able to regenerate, but the condition is that they have to work. This works just like it does with atrophic muscles – by exercising, we can rebuild them. And the same happens with the lungs – in order to rebuild them, the patient has to breathe, use respiratory gymnastics, the so-called kinesitherapy – says Prof. Marten.

The National Chamber of Physiotherapists (KIF) in cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO) has published a guide entitled: “Support in self-rehabilitation after suffering from a COVID-19 related disease”. There, patients will find clear instructions and exercises that they can do themselves in order to recover from their illness as quickly as possible.

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The best method, however, is to avoid getting COVID-19 and get vaccinated as soon as possible. In a situation where vaccines are not available to everyone, we have to endure a little longer and keep our distance, wear nose and mouth masks, do not meet, have long-distance contacts – urges prof. Piotr Kuna.

Symptoms of respiratory failure – what to do? The most important rules

Keep an eye on your blood oxygen saturation – use a pulse oximeter for constant monitoring.

Treat your chronic diseases as usual.

In consultation with the doctor, the inclusion of certain medications should be considered. In fact, the only drugs proven to be effective are oral steroids in appropriate doses, an anti-inflammatory drug for interstitial pneumonia, and low molecular weight heparin to prevent thromboembolic complications. In addition, symptomatic treatment can be added: antipyretics, relieving coughs. Before switching on any medications, consult your doctor!

Drink a lot, keep an eye on water and electrolyte balance and kidney function.

Ventilate the rooms you are in.

Move as much as your health allows. Remember that thromboembolic complications are very dangerous, and after three days of lying motionless, the risk increases several times. At the same time, it is not about strenuous exercises, because instead of helping – they will hurt during treatment and convalescence. If possible, a lying person can, for example, raise and lower limbs in this position. Contrary to appearances, it is also lung training.

If you find that the disease is progressive and you have shortness of breath that gradually increases, go to the hospital immediately or call an ambulance.

Zdrowie.pap.pl/ Monika Wysocka

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3. Daily record of COVID-19 vaccination has been broken in the US. An impressive result

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