Overactive immune system ‘can kill’ patients
In many cases, immune system overreacts to virus, causes inflammation of lungs, thereby reducing oxygen levels, which can cause death: Experts
LUCKNOW: An overactive immune system can cause complications and even fatality among Covid-19 patients. In many patients, the immune system overreacts to the infection and causes inflammation of the lungs, thereby reducing oxygen levels, which is a key factor responsible for the death of such patients, say experts.
“Our immune system fights each disease that attacks our body. But if this defence goes overboard, it harms the body itself, a situation called cytokine storm. For example, if you shoot an insect in your house with cannon, it might as well bring down your house too,” said Dr Ved Prakash, HoD pulmonary and critical care medicine at the King George’s Medical University.
It happens within hours and the patient, otherwise stable in the hospital, will suddenly develop breathing problem. On examination, the lungs will appear inflated. “Diffusion of oxygen in blood and elimination of carbon dioxide fails to function and sudden fall of oxygen will be noticed in the lungs,” said Dr Prakash. He said being a respiratory virus, Covid-19 attacks and damages the lungs most.
Dr Ved Prakash, who is the OSD to Meerut district for Covid management, said deregulation of the immune system brings
pneumonia-like situation and the reduced blood oxygen level even causes clots in the blood vessels. “The overall result is risk to life,” he said.
Autopsy of such patients dying a sudden death can reveal overactive immune system.
Managing treatment
“At times, we give steroids to settle the hyperactive immune system. The idea is to keep immune system working against the virus, but as per the requirement against the virus attack,” said Dr Ved Prakash.
He said the exact number of such patients (who suffered cytokine storm) cannot be stated as it is happening at different hospitals in UP. “During video interactions, we are discussing the issue with doctors treating patients across different cities, so that if any patient faces such a situation the medical team can handle them with correct medication,” he said.