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Lung damage- new condition for covid-19
Why is it in news?
- Doctors have been increasingly reporting several relatively new conditions including fibrosis & Pulmonary Thrombo Embolism associated with Covid-19.
Details:
- Fibrosis:
(1) It is the development of fibrous connective tissue as a reparative response to injury or damage.
(2) Fibrosis may refer to the connective tissue deposition that occurs as part of normal healing or to the excess tissue deposition that occurs as a pathological process.
(3) When fibrosis occurs in response to injury, the term “scarring” is used.
(4) Lung fibrosis requires home oxygenation support even after discharge and recovery.
(5) In some cases, the cardiac health of the patient may be affected – causing ‘cor pulmonale’ or failure of the right ventricle of the heart.
(6) Covid-19 initially attacks the lungs, leaving the air sacs filled with fluid, limiting their capacity to absorb oxygen, which ultimately leads to symptoms like shortness of breath, cough, etc.
- Pulmonary Thrombo Embolism (PTE):
(1) It refers to a blockage or clot in the pulmonary artery, thus preventing the blood flow through the lungs.
(2) Its prevalence has increased due to immobility and restricted activity during the course of treatment.
(3) Symptoms of a PTE may include shortness of breath, chest pain particularly upon breathing in, and coughing up blood.