Year Ender 2021: Distorted Senses, Inflammation And Many More Complications Encountered Post COVID-19

COVID-19 And Its Many Complications What makes the COVID-19 virus more interesting than other infectious and communicable diseases is the pattern of pathophysiology and phenotypical phenomena it manifests in the human body. Although Science has done enough research at the molecular level and doctors from all over the globe have documented all the possible symptoms, signs and complications of the COVID-19 virus, every new day comes with a new study to throw light on another new area of research. There is still a lot to learn about this virus, but the information is evolving every day.Complications Noticed In 2021 The biggest highlight is the way this virus affects so many people in such a variety of ways and how some experience such severe symptoms while some don't experience any symptoms at all. Medical science is working every hour to understand the basics that can provide avenues for better care and treatment. Dr Charu Dutt Arora, Infectious Disease Specialist and Head, Home Care, Asian Institute of Medical Sciences, Faridabad highlighted complications of the dreaded viral illness that have been listed so far.Effects On The Respiratory System A severe case of COVID-19 illness can cause permanent damage to the lungs, such as scarring and fibrosis which ultimately leads to decreased breathing capacity and early shortness of breath. It is only with the correct medicines, breathing exercises and physiotherapy that the lung function can come back to normal post covid illness, although it takes months.Effects On The Circulatory System Many studies have shown that up to 60% of patients post-COVID illness have developed inflammation in the muscles of the heart, which results in breathing difficulties, palpitations, and rapid heartbeat. This is more commonly seen in patients suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.Kidney And Fluid Issues Much global literature has pointed that up to 25% of the patients having severe COVID-19 illness have developed acute and/or chronic kidney damage that can result in the need for dialysis as well.Blood Disorders It was found to be a very strange characteristic of this viral illness to cause blood thickening and clot development in patients, especially old age patients. These patients have to be kept on blood thinner medicines for a long time post-recovery.Distorted Senses Coronavirus affects the cells of the sense of taste and smell. People suffering from the disease lost their sensation or had an alteration in taste or smell or both. Although a quarter of these recovers within two weeks, most of them have had persistent issues for a month. Such a distortion could lead to anxiety, depression and appetite disorders. Global data suggests that it takes an average of 5.5 months post-recovery to come back to a complete normal sense of taste and smell.Neurological Damage Although the reason is still unclear and under investigation, covid-19 patients have documented neurological damage and show symptoms like dizziness, brain fog, headache, and memory loss. It is seen in patients who have had an ICU stay because of severe illness.Psychiatric Issues Not the virus per se but its long-term effects include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, concentration issues, fatigue, appetite loss, sleep disorders and delirium. These need to be tackled carefully and should be counselled well with the help of a mental health expert.Complications In Children MIS-C (a multisystem inflammatory disease in children) is a rare but documented complication of COVID-19 in children. It includes fever, shortness of breath, fatiguability and can lead to heart inflammation. Children must be screened regularly post COVID with the help of a cardiologist.