LONG COVID

Introduction:

Long Covid, also known as POST COVID SYNDROME, refers to a range of new or ongoing symptoms that can last weeks or months after first being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.

Symptoms can happen to anyone who has had COVID-19, even if the illness was mild, or if they had no initial symptoms.

The reason for Long Covid is unknown, it is hypothesized that it is due to residual inflammation of the different organ systems.

It includes a wide range of symptoms from muscle and joint related pain to psychiatric illness.

Respiratory symptoms:

• Breathing difficulty
• Cough (dry/Wet)
• Shortness of breath on regular activity
• Tiredness

A patient’s lungs can recover, but not overnight. There’s the initial injury to the lungs, followed by scarring. Over time, the tissue heals, but it can take three months to a year or more for a person’s lung function to return to pre-COVID-19 levels.

What to do?

• Breathing exercises (minimum of 3 months post-Covid illness)
• Deep inhale…. Breath holding for 4-5 seconds… followed by a slow exhale.
• Spirometry exercises /Triflow exercises
• Graded Exercise

Digestive and Urinary symptoms:

• Upper abdominal pain.
• Burping & indigestion.
• Changes in toilet habit such as constipation or loose stools.
• Burning pain or low back pain while voiding urine.

What to do?

1. Avoid spicy or oily food
2. Take fibre rich food. Lots of vegetables and fruits.
3. Reduce or avoid intake of tea/coffee
4. Take small frequent meals. Every 3.5 to 4 hrs take small meals instead of large meals.
5. Drink 3-4 litres of water per day.
6. Avoid drinking excess fruit juices and sugar containing drinks.
7. Avoid sweets & chocolates / high fat containing food.
8. Add curd/yoghurt to your diet (Probiotic)
9. Consult your doctor. You may require a course of treatment for the related condition.

Heart related symptoms: 

• Palpitations
• Chest pain – cardiac and non-cardiac cause
• Breathlessness
• Giddiness – cardiac and non cardiac cause
• ECG changes

What to do?

1. General check up with you doctor after recovering from Covid
2. He/She may suggest some blood test and heart related tests also if required.
3. Graded exercises: Start any exercise (low intensity like walking) for 5- 10 minutes per day and slowly increase the duration an pace.

Endocrine symptoms:

• Thyroid related problems: Hyperthyroid/Hypothyroid
• Mild raise in body temperature. Not considered as fever.
• Diabetic and pre-diabetic states
• High BP or low BP
• Irregular menstrual cycles

What to do?

1. Depending on your symptoms doctor will recommend bloods tests to looks for thyroid, sugars, etc.
2. Gynaecologist consultation may be required for irregular cycles.

Psychological problems:

• Palpitations due to anxiety
• Chest discomfort/ Head heaviness
• Fear of illness/ re-infection
• Anxiety related Breathlessness
• Sleeplessness or excessive sleep
• Depressive illness
• Feeling of hopelessness
• Feeling unsafe around others
• Loss of appetite or over-eating

What to do?

1. Do not panic (imbalance in happiness hormones like Serotonin, dopamine, endorphin in your brain)
2. Life will always get back to normal
3. Counselling (Very important)
4. Psychiatrist visit
5. Avoid watching news/ panic causing social media
6. Avoid taking advice from non-medicals/other covid patients
7. Graded physical activity
8. Deep breathing exercises
9. Meditation
10. Start or restart a Hobby
11. Reconnect with family and friends

Dermatology related symptoms: 

• Hair fall
• Dry skin
• Frequent fungal infections
• Rashes
• Skin sensitivity

What to do?

• Dermatologist consultation
• Plenty of water (3-4 litres per day) to maintain skin hydration and skin health
• Diet rich in Vitamins and minerals such a Fruits and vegetables
• Protein rich food.
• Vegetarians: Legumes, soy, Paneer, Peas, Beans.
• Non-Vegetarian: White meat/ Lean meat: Chicken, Fish,Egg white
• General hygiene measures
• Hair fall post-illness last for 3-6 months. But is reversible after this time period.

Coping with Long Covid

• Believe that life gets easier with time.
• You are not alone.
• Take things one day at a time, one small step at a time.
• Practice gratitude for the present level of health and lifestyle.
• Help is always available, believe you will find it even if the search is challenging.
• Economy will also improve, give it time.
• Focus on yourself. Self care is a trend which everyone must follow.
• Stop watching news/ Covid related negative social media.
• Concentrate of self-progress, self-care, mental health. Follow accounts, social media posts encouraging wellness and personal growth.

To Summarize

• Maintain hydration
• Nutrient rich and balanced diet
• Physical activity/ Exercise
• Avoid stress and over-thinking
• Consult a doctor when needed
• Counselling & therapy if needed
• Get vaccinated!
• Continue to follow precautions

CONCLUSION:

As the world is trying its best to get back on its feet, one must also contribute in a way they can for one-self first before providing a helping hand towards others. It is alright to take it slow especially during recovery, not to stress about a future that one cannot predict and try to concentrate on the presence – a beautiful gift of life.