What is Long COVID? Causes, Symptoms, Statistics … and Solutions?

Long COVID, also known as “post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection” (PASC), refers to a range of symptoms that persist for weeks or even months after the initial infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 has resolved. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive difficulties, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

The term “Long COVID” was first coined in the spring of 2020, as reports began to emerge of patients experiencing prolonged symptoms after recovering from the virus. Since then, research has suggested that a significant proportion of COVID-19 patients may develop long-term symptoms. According to a study published in The Lancet, approximately 10% of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and up to 30% of patients with severe or critical disease may develop PASC¹.

What Causes Long COVID?

The exact causes of Long COVID are not yet fully understood, but researchers believe that several factors may contribute to the development of these symptoms. One theory is that the virus may cause long-lasting damage to the lungs and other organs, leading to chronic symptoms such as shortness of breath. Another theory is that the virus may trigger an overactive immune response, which can lead to inflammation and tissue damage. Additionally, some studies have found that people who develop Long COVID may have a certain genetic profile that makes them more susceptible to developing prolonged symptoms.

Long COVID Symptoms

One of the important characteristics of Long COVID is that symptoms are not always consistent, many people report experiencing a wide range of symptoms that can change from day to day or week to week. These can include fatigue, brain fog, loss of smell or taste, difficulty sleeping, and muscle or joint pain. Some people may also experience more serious symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, and difficulty breathing. This has led to some experts to refer Long COVID as a “syndrome” rather than a specific disease.

Diagnosing Long COVID

The diagnosis of Long COVID can be challenging, as there is no specific test to confirm the condition. Rather, the diagnosis is made based on the patient’s symptoms and a thorough medical evaluation.

In some cases, imaging studies such as CT scans or MRI may be used to evaluate the possible organ damage. However, many people with Long COVID don’t have any definitive test or scan results that shows abnormalities.

Treating Long COVID

Treatment for Long COVID is also uncertain and challenging. There are no specific drugs or therapies that have been developed to treat the condition, and treatment options are based on the patient’s specific symptoms. Some people may benefit from physical therapy and rehabilitation to help improve their symptoms. Others may require medication to manage symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and anxiety. Some people may also find that lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management techniques can help alleviate their symptoms.

There is some research and anecdotal evidence that the use of “Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation” (“CES”) devices have an effect on symptoms². By stimulation of the vagus nerve, CES devices have a calming, soothing effect, similar in some ways to deep meditation. This, in turn, helps optimize the body’s healing processes – such as improving blood oxygen levels and reducing pain response – to address the underlying causes of the symptoms.

It’s important to note that, Long COVID can also have a significant impact on mental health and well-being, as it can lead to anxiety, depression and stress. Therefore, it’s important to include psychological support as part of the treatment plan.

Long COVID Implications

In conclusion, Long COVID is a syndrome characterized by a wide range of symptoms that persist for weeks or months after the initial infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 has resolved. Although it’s not fully understood, researchers believe that it can be caused by long-lasting damage to the organs, inflammation, or a certain genetic profile. The diagnosis is often challenging, as there is no specific test for it, and treatment options are based on the patient’s specific symptoms. Additionally, it has a significant impact on mental health, therefore psychological support is an important part of the treatment.

References:

¹Ozonoff, A., Schaenman, J., Jayavelu, N. D., Milliren, C. E., Calfee, C. S., & Cairns, C. B. (2022, August 8). Phenotypes of disease severity in a cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients: Results from the IMPACC study. EBio Medicine, Part of The Lancet Discovery Science. Retrieved January 7, 2023, from https://www.thelancet.com/journals/ebiom/article/PIIS2352-3964(22)00390-5/fulltext

²Feusner, J. D., Madsen, S., Moody, T. D., Bohon, C., Hembecher, E., Bookheimer, S. Y., & Bystritsky, A. (2012, May 1). Effects of cranial electrotherapy stimulation on resting state brain activity. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved January 7, 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3381625/