GMC’s pulmonary department sees 2-5 cases of post-Covid issues a day

PANAJI: Goa Medical College’s department of pulmonary medicine is seeing up to five cases every day of post-Covid pulmonary complications in those who survives the severe pneumonia brought on by the virus.
Some are referred to the department from Covid hospitals after they continue to experience breathlessness, with their oxygen saturation levels still low despite weeks of treatment and even after testing negative.
Last month, TOI had reported that the battle is not over for some ‘cured’ Covid patients, who are returning with exertional breathlessness, Covid fibrosis and various other complications.
“They are treated in the general, non-Covid ward for 8-10 days until they stabilise,” said head of pulmonary medicine Dr Durga Lawande. “When they feel better, they’re discharged and advised supplemental oxygen at home, which they may require for around one month. Those who are better are being treated at the OPD.”
‘Some initially need oxygen for around 10 hours a day’
Most of these cases are elderly persons with diabetes. “Their diabetes gets worse with the type of treatment given to Covid patients,” Lawande said. “For moderate to severe Covid infection, steroids are the mainstay, but although these are lifesaving drugs, they can raise their sugar levels and result in post-Covid fibrosis. We have to extend steroid treatment for such patients. Most are doing well after two months of treatment.”
Oxygen is advised intermittently. “Some initially require it for around ten hours a day,” she said. “Fibrosis lowers the oxygen saturation and patients feel exertion even while carrying out daily activities at home.”
Some post-Covid cases are also at an increased risk of heart attack, brain stroke and pulmonary embolism.
So far, the department has seen fewer than 50 patients with post-Covid complications. “We expect there may be more people out there who are not reaching the department,” Lawande said. “Some may consider it a part of Covid weakness and not seek treatment. Patients should not ignore a sudden increase in breathlessness.”