Doctors at University Hospital Zurich have described a new form of pulmonary fibrosis that can occur in Covid 19 patients. Surprisingly, the condition occurred in patients who were hospitalized but did not always require ventilators or had respiratory failure.
The team led by pneumologist René Hage described the newly discovered form of pulmonary fibrosis called post-Covid pulmonary fibrosis (PCPF) in the journal “Annals of Medicine.” However, more research is needed to accurately predict this form of pulmonary fibrosis and how best to treat it.
Slow down or stop
Pulmonary fibrosis causes chronic inflammation of the connective tissue in the lungs. This leads to proliferation of connective tissue, hardening and scarring in the respiratory organ. If detected early, pulmonary fibrosis could be slowed or even stopped with medication in some cases, the university hospital announced.
Inflammation or irreversible damage
The doctors found a greater loss of respiratory performance in some hospitalized corona patients who did not require a ventilator than in critically ill patients. On images of the lungs, they found signs of inflammation and indications of pulmonary fibrosis with irreversible damage to the lung tissue already.
Pulmonary testing and computed tomography
Because the tissue changes did not come to light until months after being infected with the coronavirus, Covid-19 patients who still have breathing difficulties after a few weeks and feel no improvement should be carefully monitored with lung tests and monitored on a case-by-case basis. with a computed tomography of the lungs, according to the pulmonologist.
In this way, pulmonary fibrosis could potentially be detected at an early stage. Studies are already underway to determine which of the available antifibrosis drugs are most effective in this form of pulmonary fibrosis.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
