Despite the precautionary measures against COVID-19 Many countries, including Thailand, are starting to relax. so that people can return to normal life But regenerative medicine and respiratory medicine doctors continue to warn Thai people to be on the lookout for COVID-19. Because of the same concern is the residual illness after recovery. or what we call Long COVID
Many people who follow the news may have heard of Long COVID symptoms. But you may not know exactly what it is. how dangerous And can we avoid it? The more Thailand is in the rainy season. Even more confused about the discomfort. Shortness of breath because we have Long COVID symptoms or the jackpot recurring. Or are you suffering from another disease?
A free gift from a disease that no one wants.
“Currently, the exact cause of Long COVID symptoms is unknown, but medically hypothesized that it may be caused by viral remnants that stimulate the immune system. It causes inflammatory reactions in various systems,” said Dr. Yada Luisaroen, a physician specializing in respiratory diseases and critical conditions. internal medicine center Wimut Hospital explained, “Of course, those who have been infected with COVID-19 Everyone is at risk But most of us find Long COVID in females more than males. The risk groups are the elderly or are overweight. (Body mass index greater than 30), the high-risk group is those who have underlying diseases such as heart disease, stroke. chronic lung disease, kidney disease, or immunodeficiency Especially the group of patients with severe symptoms or complications during treatment for coronavirus. such as having infection in the lungs or pneumonia This group will also be at high risk of developing Long COVID.”
Self-determining whether we have Long COVID It’s difficult But if within 3 months after we recover from covid If any other symptoms persist for more than 4 weeks, suspect it and go to the hospital for testing for Long COVID.
“Long COVID can manifest itself in many systems. Therefore, we should check to be sure that it is a symptom of other complications or not, for example, some people have chest pain. May be caused by conditions related to heart disease But most of them are respiratory complications. cause pneumonia Or some people have coughing, tired easily, chest pain, or when exerting themselves will be tired. They may have lower than normal oxygen levels. People with these symptoms are advised to seek medical attention for complications after contracting the coronavirus and undergo lung rehabilitation. for the lungs to recover and become stronger,” explains Dr. Yada Louicharoen.
How to treat Long COVID, can it be cured?
Since the vast majority of people tested for Long COVID are those with pulmonary respiratory complications, treatment is primarily focused on lung health care.
Dr. Phitchaporn Mekrinthonphan, MD. Physician specializing in rehabilitation medicine Rehabilitation Center Wimut Hospital said, “For Wimut Hospital Physical and pulmonary rehabilitation during long COVID is aimed at reducing the symptoms of post-infection residual symptoms such as tiredness, fatigue, or reduced activity. By focusing on patients to return to physical fitness as close as possible before COVID-19 infection. Of course, every case will be thoroughly diagnosed in order to design a treatment program that is suitable for each person.”
Vimut Hospital Pulmonary Rehabilitation Package It will start with a low dose CT scan of the lungs to see if there has been any symptoms of COVID in the lungs or other pulmonary pathologies. (Because sometimes a simple X-ray may not be visible. but only through CT scan). But if the results are within the normal range and there are no other conditions will enter the rehabilitation program Starting from testing the ability to exchange oxygen gas during exertion Followed by breathing exercises. lung exercise sucking the ball through an incentive spirometry, a recommendation for exercise to increase overall physical strength Patients who are admitted to the program at the hospital will be given this device back to practice lung exercises at home with a manual on proper practice, exercise and exercise.
For example, a Long COVID patient at Wimut Hospital When recovering from covids, there is still a feeling of being tired easily. From the past that I used to walk up stairs or overpass comfortably. After being infected and recovering from the infection I found myself having to rest and pant even more after walking the same distance up the stairs. After a thorough examination, it was found that there was Oxygen Drop after a few minutes of physical exertion. The medical team set a course for recovery, starting with teaching the correct breathing method. to allow the lungs to expand as much as possible Continue with the program to increase your body’s fitness. for the respiratory system cardiovascular system as well as overall physical fitness, recovery and sustainable health.
Many people may still be concerned about whether the treatment is prolonged or costly. therefore hesitating to see a doctor “Let me tell you not to worry that much. Although the recovery time depends on each case how much the problem is, but actually the package that fielder recommends Most of the time, it’s a one-time visit to the doctor. And the rest is recommended to exercise at home. As for the cases that require continuous follow-up It is advisable to come and receive the program for about 1-2 months only.” Conclude
The best way to avoid Long COVID as suggested by both doctors is to Don’t get infected with covid! Because it’s infected and it’s a risk to Long COVID for everyone, but it’s even more important to get vaccinated against Covid. because in addition to reducing the severity of infection It can also help reduce the risk of long-term COVID-19 by having at least 3 doses of vaccination and a booster every 4 months. Wear a mask, wash your hands often, still have to strictly follow the measures.
And we will get through it together!
