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As we step into the post-pandemic phase, we are likely to see patients recovering from COVID-19 come back with either recurrent symptoms or persistent symptoms.
These may be Pulmonary or Non-Pulmonary.
Non-pulmonary symptoms are fatigue, myalgia, malaise & persistent anorexia apart from its impact on mental health. These are usually self-limiting and recover over time.
Most patients with COVID-19 have two broad spectra of pulmonary symptoms.
One is post-infectious airway hyperreactivity. Any viral infections, including COVID, are no exception and can lead to persistent inflammation of the mucosa lining the breathing tubes. This leads to dry cough, wheezing, chest discomfort & breathlessness. These symptoms persist longer in people with allergic tendencies. In some, this may persist, whereas in most, this recovers spontaneously or with medicines over time.
Secondly, some people develop lung fibrosis. This is a bit of concern as it can lead to a persistent worsening of breathlessness. This is uncommon and seen in a section of patients with COVID who suffered from severe pneumonia due to COVID. These patients need to follow up with a pulmonologist and periodically monitor lung functions and initiate specific treatment.
As post-COVID lung healing takes time it is advised to pursue lung hygiene measures aimed at preventing cross infections and improving lung capacity. It is also advised to get in touch with the best pulmonologist in Mangalore if facing any respiratory issues.
Elderly patients, those with chronic lung problems like asthma and COPD and co-morbidities are at high risk of developing post-COVID complications.
Social distancing, hand hygiene, donning of the mask, avoidance of community gathering, poorly ventilated places and long periods in indoor AC setting will minimise cross infections.
Any signs of secondary infections, like fever, sputum with a change in colour and increase in quantity and breathlessness are signs of infections. Patients with post-COVID fibrosis should seek early medical help in the presence of any of these symptoms.
Manipal Hospital is a pulmonology hospital in Mangalore running a dedicated post-COVID pulmonary rehab. Post-COVID lung care reduces Post Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), Intensive Care Unit Acquired Weakness (ICUAW). Post-COVID-19 rehabilitation centre in Mangalore helps in treating severe complications of COVID-19, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis, multi-organ shock, acute kidney injury, cardiac injury, etc.
Dr. Vishak Acharya
Consultant - Pulmonary Medicine
Manipal Hospitals, Mangalore
