Pulmonary Sequelae of COVID-19

Abstract

AbstractCOVID-19 has affected over 280 million people globally, with over 240 million survivors. While the acute effects of COVID-19 are well understood, we are just beginning to understand the long-term effects of COVID-19, particularly as they relate to lung function and recovery. Persistent symptoms have been described as the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) and include short-term and long-term sequelae. Post-COVID-19 conditions can occur in patients who have had varying severity of illness during their acute infection. These include people who have had mild or even asymptomatic infections [1]. Post-COVID-19 conditions are referred to by a wide range of names, including long COVID, post-acute COVID-19, long-term effects of COVID-19, post-acute COVID syndrome, chronic COVID, long-haul COVID, and late sequelae, among others. Although standardized case definitions are still being developed, post-COVID-19 conditions can be considered a lack of return to a usual state of health following acute COVID-19 illness. The time frame for a post-COVID-19 condition is generally considered as 2–4 weeks following acute COVID-19 infection with incomplete resolution of symptoms or the emergence of new symptoms. Post-acute COVID-19 can be a multisystem condition. Around 10–35% of patients who have acute COVID-19 infection go on to develop long COVID symptoms [2]. The most common non-resolving symptoms are dyspnea, fatigue, malaise, cognitive impairment, cough, chest pain, palpitations, arthralgias, diarrhea, sleep difficulties, fever, light-headedness, continued anosmia, and mood changes. For hospitalized patients, the incidence of the post-COVID-19 syndrome may reach as high as 85% [2]. Post-COVID-19 sequelae can be highly debilitating and seriously impact occupational and social activities. It also will add significantly to the healthcare burden in addition to its consequences on mental health.