Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can be caused by a variety of factors, including the COVID-19 virus. It can have devastating consequences if left unchecked. Dr. Nilakshi Sabnis, a physician at Zen Multispecialty Hospital in Chembur, reported to have witnessed a surge in pneumonia cases in recent months. “I have seen 8 to 10 cases per week,” she reveals, “with the elderly above 60 years being the most vulnerable due to weaker immune systems and comorbidities.”
The concern extends beyond the immediate threat of pneumonia. Dr. Sabnis warns that even those who test negative after infection may still develop lung infections. “The virus will weaken the lungs, causing pneumonia,” she explains. “In the long run, this can lead to irreversible lung damage.”
Determining if your pneumonia is caused by COVID-19 is crucial for proper treatment and management. Fortunately, there is a test that can help differentiate between COVID-19-related pneumonia and pneumonia caused by other factors.
The key test according to scientists, for diagnosing Pneumonia is the Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test. This test detects the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, in respiratory samples such as nasal or throat swabs. A positive RT-PCR test confirms that the pneumonia is caused by a COVID-19 infection.
In addition to the RT-PCR test, healthcare providers may also order other diagnostic tests to aid in the diagnosis such as chest imaging and blood tests.
Chest X-rays or CT scans can help identify patterns of lung inflammation and damage that are characteristic of COVID-19 pneumonia, such as bilateral “ground-glass” opacities. While elevated levels of certain biomarkers, like C-reactive protein (CRP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), can indicate the presence of COVID-19 pneumonia.
By combining the results of these tests, healthcare providers can determine whether the pneumonia is caused by the COVID-19 virus or other factors, such as bacterial or viral infections.
Signs That You May Have COVID-19 Pneumonia
- Fever
- Fatigue and loss of appetite
- Cough, often with yellow or green phlegm
- Chest pain when breathing deeply or coughing
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially if it comes on suddenly or worsens over a few days.
COVID-19 pneumonia often develops more gradually compared to other types of pneumonia. It can start with mild symptoms that worsen over several days. Certain groups are at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 pneumonia requiring hospitalization, including: people over 65, especially over 85, Immunocompromised individuals, and those with underlying conditions like lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, severe obesity, etc.
If you have COVID-19 and experience any of the following, seek emergency care immediately:
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Persistent chest pain or pressure
- Bluish lips or face
- Confusion or inability to wake up
How to Prevent Pneumonia After COVID-19
Dr. Nilakshi advises that the best way to prevent COVID-19 pneumonia is to take care of your lungs by getting vaccinated, doing breathing exercises, eating a well-balanced diet, wearing a mask, staying away from sick people, maintaining social distancing, avoiding crowded places, and following cough etiquette. managing any underlying conditions, and continuing infection control measures like handwashing and distancing.
If you get COVID-19, closely monitor your symptoms, and don’t hesitate to seek medical care if you develop pneumonia.
Lung Damage After COVID-19
Research has shown that COVID-19 can cause significant harm to the respiratory system, with potential long-term consequences.
A study published in The Conversation in 2023 found that COVID-19 can lead to three main types of lung damage: obstruction of airflow, impairment of lung volume, and decreased blood flow. These issues can persist long after the initial infection, with some patients reporting ongoing symptoms months later.
Another study by Ada Health in 2024 highlighted the potential symptoms of COVID-19-related lung damage, including a persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain. The severity of these symptoms can vary depending on factors such as age, underlying health conditions, and vaccination status.
Researchers at the University of Virginia discovered a potential way to predict which patients with severe COVID-19 are likely to develop long-term lung problems. Their findings suggest that even those with the most severe cases may not necessarily experience progressive scarring of the lungs, offering hope for better treatment outcomes.
However, the risk of lung damage remains a concern, especially for high-risk groups such as the elderly, those with underlying conditions, and those who are unvaccinated. It is crucial for individuals to prioritize their lung health and seek medical attention if they experience any concerning symptoms after recovering from COVID-19.
ALSO READ: Long COVID Back Pain: What The Symptoms Feel Like
References
WebMD. (2022, December 31). Pneumonia and Coronavirus: Does Everyone With COVID-19 Get Pneumonia? https://www.webmd.com/covid/covid-and-pneumonia
Ada Health. (n.d.). COVID-19 and Pneumonia: Risks, Symptoms & Treatments. https://ada.com/covid/covid-19-symptoms-and-pneumonia/
The Conversation. (2023). COVID-19 can cause lasting lung damage – 3 ways long COVID patients’ respiration can suffer. https://theconversation.com/covid-19-can-cause-lasting-lung-damage-3-ways-long-covid-patients-respiration-can-suffer-189516
Ada Health. (2024). COVID-19: Lung Symptoms and Damage. https://ada.com/covid/covid-19-lungs-symptoms/
University of Virginia. (2023). Blood Test Could Predict Risk of Long-Term COVID-19 Lung Problems. https://news.virginia.edu/content/blood-test-could-predict-risk-long-term-covid-19-lung-problems
Bangkok Heart Hospital. (2024). How to manage lung complications caused by COVID-19. https://www.bangkokhearthospital.com/en/content/cope-when-covid-19-hits-the-lungs
Last Updated on June 27, 2024 by shalw
