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Expert Explains Long-term Impact Of COVID-19 On Lungs, Shares Tips For Healthy Lungs

Severe cases of COVID-19 can cause lung damage leading to a weakened respiratory system. We have a health expert share insights and preventive tips to ensure healthy lungs

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Expert explains long-term impact of COVID-19 on lungs, shares tips for healthy lungs

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Lung infections can occur in individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, although the risk varies among individuals depending on their comorbid illnesses and the severity of Covid infection. Dr Rahul Kendre, lung transplant physician, DPU Private Super Speciality Hospital, Pimpri, Pune explains how Covid-19 can lead to long-term lung-related issues. 

COVID-19 and lung damageSevere cases of COVID-19 can cause lung damage, such as inflammation, scarring and pulmonary fibrosis. These conditions can weaken the respiratory system's defences and make individuals more susceptible to subsequent lung infections.

PneumoniaPneumonia is one of the most common lung infections that can occur after COVID-19. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi and may require specific treatments, such as antibiotics or antifungal medications, depending on the underlying cause.

Fungal infectionsWe have seen many cases of fungal infections following Covid due to damaged lungs and weakened immunity giving a favourable environment for fungal growth especially Aspergillus (white fungus) or Mucormycosis (black fungus). These fungal infections could be life-threatening and can spread to other organs, especially to the brain and are commonly seen when patients have diabetes with high blood sugar levels

Secondary infectionsCovid-19 itself or immunosuppressant medications used in severe cases weakens the immune system, leaving individuals vulnerable to secondary infections. These infections can include bacterial pneumonia, bronchitis or other respiratory infections. Prompt medical attention is crucial if symptoms such as persistent cough, difficulty breathing, fever or chest pain occur.

A common misconception is that those who have received Remdesivir are at risk of future complications but per se Remdesivir is just an antiviral medication and though it's not proven to be useful in Covid infection and was used in desperate situations, it doesn't cause any major adverse effects or immunosuppression and doesn't tend to cause future complications.

Long COVIDSome individuals experience lingering symptoms after recovering from COVID-19, a condition known as long COVID or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). Lung-related symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough, can persist and increase the risk of developing lung infections.

PreventionIt is important to maintain good lung health and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of lung infections. This includes good hand hygiene, taking vaccination against COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses such as pneumococcal and influenza infections, especially for those who have risk factors like diabetes or any chronic kidney or liver disease, especially smokers and elderly age group patients.

Avoiding exposure to pollutants or irritants, following cough etiquette in society and quitting smoking are some preventive measures. 

Those who have had severe Covid pneumonia and show a persistent drop in oxygen saturation below 88-90 % are supposed to take home oxygen with either an oxygen concentrator or cylinder with advice from a chest physician. Such patients need to do chest exercises like deep breathing, spirometry and endurance exercises to maintain good lung capacity. They are advised to do a pulmonary function test and HRCT chest periodically and consult their physician to monitor their lung capacity if it is noticed to be decreasing at a faster rate and if their oxygen requirement is increasing. In such a case, they might be referred for lung transplant opinion and evaluation.

Also Read: Combatting bad breath: Expert tips to get rid of a stinking mouth

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My Worst Nightmare: I Brought COVID-19 To My Mom's House

Last April, COVID-19 took up residence in our house again — or so we thought. My husband, Jonny, had a raging set of symptoms, and I had a sore throat. Our at-home tests gave mixed results. After a week of quarantining, our PCR tests came back negative.

Negative? But I'd missed four days of work! I'd canceled plans! I'd written a column citing my COVID-19-induced angst! Worst of all, I didn't get that sweet, sweet immunity boost that is perhaps the only silver lining of an infection.

And boy, do I wish I had.

Last month, I traveled to Alaska for a rugby tournament. The weekend was full of tough competition, team bonding, and socializing with new friends from all over the country. After three years of forced respite from competitive touring, I soaked up every minute of fun, including a night out on the town.

By the time I arrived at the Anchorage airport on Monday night for a red-eye flight to visit my parents, I had a tingle in my throat that made me speed-walk the entire terminal looking for an N95 mask in one of the shops. But I was out of luck and out of time to change plans.

After all the time and effort, the relationships strained, and tears spilled that went into trying to protect my immunocompromised mom, Holly, from COVID-19, I was headed straight toward her with a terrible lump in my throat. I felt like a time bomb.

I texted my mom to say I wasn't feeling well and asked her to bring me an N95 when she picked me up. Then, I boarded the plane with my crappy polyester face mask and fell asleep before we even pulled back from the gate. I rarely sleep on planes, but I was dead to the world for eight hours, gate to gate.

When I landed in Reno, Nevada, I made a beeline for the bathroom and tore through my luggage for the rapid antigen tests I'd packed. My mom sat in the parking lot while I waited for results.

It was negative, but we acted like it wasn't. I met her outside, skipped the hug, donned the N95 mask, and headed home.

After spending the day masked up with my parents, I drove south to see my best friend, Jen. I'd told her about my symptoms, but she welcomed me anyway. We spent three days together, during which I got progressively sicker.

On Friday morning, four days after my sore throat started, I finally tested positive for COVID-19. Cue the meltdown.

I was bound for my parents' house that day, and while I was miserable and anxious, we had protocols in place to keep my family safe. Being my mom's caregiver before and after her bilateral lung transplant in 2019 had prepared us for the pandemic.

Step 1: Give a damn

This is the most important part of preventing the spread of COVID-19. If you care about the people around you and treat everyone as if they're immunocompromised, you're probably already saving lives.

Step 2: Be prepared

I am quadruple vaccinated. I carry rapid antigen tests anytime I travel. I usually wear a KN95 mask on public transport, but, of course, the one time I really needed it, I didn't have one. My fabric mask sufficed, but I won't leave home without a higher-rated mask again.

I also knew about the COVID-19 hotline in my hometown and did a phone screening to see if I could get Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) once I tested positive.

Step 3: Treat even the slightest indication of illness with the utmost caution

I had the most minor sore throat at the airport and treated myself like a walking biohazard. I immediately informed the people I was going to see and changed plans accordingly. Even though I tested negative right before seeing my family, I knew it wasn't a free pass. I still behaved as though I'd tested positive.

Step 4: Isolate at whatever cost

Christie shows off her quarantine accommodations outside. (Photo by Christie Patient)

For me, that meant sacrificing personal comfort. I camped on my parents' deck for a week. I endured two straight days and nights of pine pollen clouds, windburn, and temperatures in the 30s — terrible living conditions for someone with a gnarly chest cold.

I stayed out of the house — except for a designated sicko-only bathroom — for the better part of the week. Once I'd tested negative two days in a row, I eased up on my precautions.

If you'd rather pay for a comfier quarantine space, I don't blame you. Get yourself a hotel room and have a staycation with room service and cable.

Step 5: Survive

Luckily for my conscience, no one I exposed before I tested positive got COVID-19. And because of our strict precautions at home, my parents also remained healthy.

Note: Pulmonary Fibrosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Pulmonary Fibrosis News or its parent company, BioNews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to pulmonary fibrosis.

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