Lingering lung disorders 5 years post-COVID: Here’s what to know
Five years ago this month, the United States was engulfed by the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving behind not only lingering mental health effects but also long-term physical symptoms. One such condition that emerged was post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis, a condition characterized by scarring of the lungs that can worsen over time and may necessitate a lung transplant, according to pulmonologists.
Dr. Scott Scheinin, MD, who is the director of lung transplantation for Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, explained that the early stages of infection led to extensive inflammation in various body systems. Once the infection cleared, many individuals were left with some degree of lung tissue destruction, resulting in post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis.
The impact of COVID-19 was particularly severe in New York City, where Scheinin provided medical care on the frontlines during the initial wave of the pandemic. He recounted the harrowing experiences he witnessed, describing it as the worst thing he had ever experienced.
One of Scheinin’s patients, Pastor Benjamin Thomas, contracted COVID-19 in March 2020 and spent nearly 100 days in the hospital, including 54 days on a ventilator and six weeks in a medically induced coma. Despite surviving the initial infection, Thomas’ condition deteriorated over time, leading to a diagnosis of post-inflammatory pulmonary fibrosis due to COVID-19.
Thomas eventually underwent a double lung transplant two years after his initial infection, with one lung being transplanted to expedite the process. Following the successful surgery, Thomas no longer required oxygen supplementation and was able to resume his pastoral duties at his church in Queens Village, New York.
Post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis impairs the normal exchange of gases in the lungs, leading to difficulties in breathing and reduced exercise tolerance. The scarring of lung tissue can predispose individuals to future respiratory issues, making them more susceptible to complications from other illnesses.
Symptoms of post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis include shortness of breath, chronic cough, and decreased exercise tolerance. Individuals who experience these symptoms, especially those with underlying chronic conditions or a history of mechanical ventilation during COVID-19 infection, should seek medical evaluation from a physician or pulmonologist.
Treatment for post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis may involve antifibrotic medications, steroids, and other anti-inflammatory drugs, in addition to pulmonary rehabilitation, exercise training, and behavioral modifications. Research is ongoing to explore new treatment options and improve outcomes for individuals affected by this condition.
In conclusion, the long-term effects of COVID-19, such as post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis, highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and care for individuals who have recovered from the infection. By addressing these issues proactively, healthcare providers can help improve the quality of life for those impacted by post-COVID complications.
