Covid can leave patients’ lungs scarred

Over the last few days, around 30 patients, who recovered from covid-19, have reported at the post-covid clinic and were diagnosed with lung fibrosis. This is a condition wherein the lung tissues are damaged and scarred and hence unable to work well.

Doctors said that as the pulmonary fibrosis worsens, people become progressively shorter of breath.

Doctors said that they are asking patients to do breathing exercises and yoga to keep fit as there is no medication for this lung damage.

Dr Jeetendra Kumar, dean of ESI Rajajinagar Hospital, said, “Covid affects the lungs like pneumonia. Even as the patient recovers, the lungs can suffer from fibrosis, diminishing the lungs’ air exchange capacity.”

He said some experts are saying that the fibrosis may be long-lasting, but more number of cases have to be recorded to establish this. “Follow-ups have to be done for around six months. We are asking patients to do breathing exercises and walk regularly to stay fit,” he added.

Other doctors too reported a number of post-covid lung fibrosis patients. “This is observed when patients come for follow-ups after testing negative for covid. This lung fibrosis may or may not be reversible. This is because a fibrous thing develops in the lung due to which the air pockets get clogged,” said a doctor from the ESI hospital.

Post-covid in kids
“There is a rare condition called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), related to Covid-19. It usually occurs two-six weeks after the infection and is thought to be related to an abnormal immune response to the virus. Many children have tested negative during the PCR test, but positive for serology (checking antibodies against the virus).

They usually present with fever and a skin rash, sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms and conjunctivitis. Rarely they may present with low blood pressure and cardiac involvement, usually after 3-5 days of fever and rash,” said Dr Gnanam- Consultant Paediatric Emergency at Manipal Hospitals.

He said, doctors have seen a good response to immunomodulating medications. “Schools should definitely not reopen now. It may be worthwhile to wait at least till the cases plateau and then consider a hybrid model.”

Another doctor said, “After children have recovered from COVID 19, few children are presenting with skin eruptions which are likely to be secondary manifestations of covid.”

Dr Sreenath Manikanti, Senior Consultant Neonatologist & HOD Fortis La Femme Hospital, said lesions in oral cavity have also been reported among kids.