Postcovoid syndrome

The new coronavirus infection COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is currently recognized as an infectious disease affecting many organs and systems. According to WHO, at least 10% of people who have had COVID-19 suffer from post-covid syndrome.

The concept of postcovoid syndrome should be understood as complaints and symptoms that persist after a new coronavirus infection or reappear more than 28 days after the acute period of COVID-19 or the appearance of complications after 4 weeks from the onset of the disease.

Lung damage in coronavirus infection is characterized by diffuse alveolar damage, accompanied by alveolar hemorrhagic syndrome and widespread thrombosis of the microcirculatory bed, which causes hypoxia and respiratory failure.

Residual changes in the lungs after pneumonia caused by COVID-19 can persist for more than 1 year.Most often, patients complain of shortness of breath, decreased exercise tolerance, fatigue, chest pain, cognitive impairment, arthralgia, decreased muscle strength, gait instability, weight gain problems, impaired hunger and satiety, overeating, weight gain as a result of cognitive impairment, insecurity, anxiety and sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress (apathy).

The number of pathologies after COVID-19 includes:altered glucose metabolism and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus

• changes in lipid metabolism and persistent weight loss in recovered patients
• muscle pain, sensitivity disorders
• digestive disorders (anorexia, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, diarrhea),
• skin manifestations (itching, urticaria),
• hair loss,
• sleep disorders, irritability, anxiety, memory loss, working capacity
• depression, anxiety disorders.

For the diagnosis of postcovoid syndrome are used:

• Laboratory tests: general blood test, biochemical blood test, coagulogram, study of arterial blood gases.
• Instrumental methods: pulse oximetry, examination of the function of external respiration (bodyplethysmography, spirometry, bronchodilation, diffusion tests), electrocardiography, echocardiography, computer tomography of the thoracic cavity.

For the treatment of post-corticoid syndrome, a complex of therapeutic and rehabilitation measures is used, including adequate oxygen therapy, according to indications - the appointment of anticoagulants, systemic glucocorticosteroids, bronchodilator and mucolytic therapy, correction of concomitant pathologies, physiotherapy, respiratory gymnastics, exercise therapy. If necessary – psychotherapy, the appointment of antidepressants after consultation with a psychologist or psychiatrist.