Study: No evidence of lasting lung damage in Covid-19 survivors

MUMBAI: None of the Covid-19 survivors included in a Loyola University Medical Centre and University of Chicago Medicine study had any lasting lung damage directly attributable to the disease. The study published in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery on July 31 said the finding fills an important gap in the understanding of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in the survivorship phase. “Clinicians and patients alike now have observational evidence that once the patient recovers from their disease, it is unlikely to have permanent lung parenchymal sequelae at least up to four months from their infection, which was the maximal duration of this study.”

India currently has the second-highest caseload of Covid-19 cases after the US. The disease attacks the lungs and progresses fast in some patients making it difficult for them to breathe.

“The lungs of patients who recover fully also recover as the disease regresses,” said Mumbaibased physician Hemant Gupta.

“Commonly, patients who have some underlying ailments like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or history of tuberculosis have a lasting impact on their lungs when they contract Covid. Other patients who become critical and spend several days in intensive care unit also show signs of severe lungs damage, many of them require oxygen support even after discharge.” Radiologist Jignesh Thakker said long-lasting impact of Covid is commonly seen in patients who become critical. In addition to underlying ailments, Indian patients may have compromised lungs due to impact of air pollution, say experts.

BHUSHAN KOYANDE/HT PHOTO Dressed as cartoon characters, volunteers tie rakhis to medical staff at Wockhardt Hospital, on Thursday.