Beware of post-Covid pneumonia, say docs

NOV 12: WORLD PNEUMONIA DAY

Beware of post-Covid pneumonia, say docs

Kamini.Mathai@timesgroup.com

Chennai:

Around 15% of those who have recovered from a Covid-19 infection return to the hospital with pneumonia a couple of weeks later, say doctors.

“That’s why the convalescent period for Covid-19 is important and the patient needs to be monitored at home for weeks after the treatment,” says Dr K Rajkumar, pulmonologist, Fortis Malar Hospital. “If patients return with a secondary bacterial infection, recovery is difficult because the lung has already been weakened by the coronavirus. Mortality can go as high as 30% in those who have returned with pneumonia,” says Dr Rajkumar.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by viruses and bacteria. “Most viruses produce pneumonia that is confined to a small part of the lung, but if it extends to a larger part of the lung, then it can cause hypoxia, a condition where the body is deprived of oxygen,” says Dr Raj B Singh, pulmonologist at Apollo Hospitals.

The first phase of Covid-19 is virus replication, explains Dr Singh. The second phase of the disease is the immune response. “We have found cortico steroids and anticoagulants (as the blood tends to clot easily at this time) to be effective in this phase.”

When the Covid-19 infection is not severe, people can recover fast, says Dr Singh, but two weeks later it can develop into a widespread systemic inflammation or pneumonia, one that can cause damage to the nervous system, liver, and kidney.

“This is dangerous and sometimes lethal,” he says.

Doctors say they are still unsure as to who is likely to get the post-Covid pneumonia. “People think it is the elderly, or those who are immunecompromised, but it is difficult to predict,” says Dr Rajkumar.

Doctors suggest that those who have recovered remain cautious and report even the mildest symptoms, which can include a low grade fever, cough with or without yellowish sputum, fatigue and tightness in the chest.

Dr Singh says it is best that those who have recovered from Covid 19 continue to monitor themselves for temperature and oxygen saturation. “Get enough rest and adequate fluids. Do not overexert and be ambitious about getting back to work. Try to exercise only when the strength returns, don’t force it. It can take one to two months for a full recovery.”

This is where timely intervention helps, says emergency medicine consultant Dr M Sai Surendar from the Rela Institute and Medical Centre. “We have found that people who seek medical help in the earlier stages of Covid-19 infection are likely to recover better. If they come in when the infection is at a severe level, they are likely to return with pneumonia a few weeks after discharge.”

Get enough rest and adequate fluids. Do not overexert and be ambitious about getting back to work. Try to exercise only when the strength returns, don’t force it

DR RAJ B SINGH

pulmonologist Apollo Hospitals