Post-COVID-19 sequelae

Abstract

Introduction. COVID-19 is a pandemic infection caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, affecting millions of people worldwide and having devastating consequences on health systems, the economy, and human lives. While a significant portion of the infected population has fully recovered, others continue to experience persistent symptoms after overcoming the disease, termed post-COVID-19 sequelae or post-COVID-19 syndrome. Aim of study. The aim of this research is to comprehensively investigate the long-term consequences, or sequelae, following COVID-19. The focus is on gaining insights into the impact of the virus on various physiological systems, exploring potential variations in outcomes, and contributing to a more nuanced understanding of post-COVID-19 health implications. Methods and materials. In this literature review, I utilized the PubMed database to search for key terms such as "post-Covid consequences," "post-Covid-19 syndrome," and "post-Covid-19 complications." I identified over 4000 results, with all articles ranging from 2020 to 2023. Results. According to existing literature, the analysis of the late consequences of COVID-19 reveals a broad range of implications in various systems and organs. Among them, pulmonary sequelae include: 1. Pulmonary Fibrosis - Studies have documented the progression of pulmonary fibrosis in patients recovered from COVID-19, with changes in lung tissue that can persist and cause chronic respiratory difficulties. 2. Post-COVID Dyspnea Syndrome - Dyspnea, including the sensation of suffocation, may remain a recurrent issue after recovery. 3. Permanent Pulmonary Lesions - In severe cases, COVID-19 can cause irreversible lung lesions, impacting pulmonary capacity. Conclusion. This literature review illustrates the complexity and diversity of the late consequences of COVID-19, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and personalized care for patients with persistent symptoms. Current data suggest that COVID-19 can leave a significant and varied impact on long-term health, justifying the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach for the management and treatment of these patients. syndrome coronavirus-2, affecting millions of people worldwide a nd having devastating consequences on health systems, the economy, and huma n lives. While a significant portion of the infected population has fully recovered, others continue to e xperience persistent symptoms after overcoming the disease, termed post-COVID-19 sequelae or pos t-COVID-19 syndrome. Aim of study. The aim of this research is to comprehensively investigate th e long-term consequences, or sequelae, following COVID-19. The focus is o n gaining insights into the impact of the virus on various physiological systems, exploring po tential variations in outcomes, and contributing to a more nuanced understanding of post-COVID-19 h ealth implications. Methods and materials. In this literature review, I utilized the PubMed database to s earch for key terms such as "post-Covid consequences," "post-Covid-19 syndrome ," and "post-Covid-19 complications." I identified over 4000 results, with all arti cles ranging from 2020 to 2023. Results. According to existing literature, the analysis of the late consequences of COVID-19 reveals a broad range of implications in various systems and organs. Among them, pulmonary sequelae include: 1. Pulmonary Fibrosis - Studies have docume nted the progression of pulmonary fibrosis in patients recovered from COVID-19, with change s in lung tissue that can persist and cause chronic respiratory difficulties. 2. Post-COVID Dys pnea Syndrome - Dyspnea, including the sensation of suffocation, may remain a recurrent is sue after recovery. 3. Permanent Pulmonary Lesions - In severe cases, COVID-19 can cause irreversi ble lung lesions, impacting pulmonary capacity. Conclusion. This literature review illustrates the complexity and divers ity of the late consequences of COVID-19, emphasizing the need for ongoing research and pe rsonalized care for patients with persistent symptoms. Current data suggest that COVID-19 can le ave a significant and varied impact on long-term health, justifying the necessity of an interdisciplinary approach for the management and treatment of these patients.