Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people who fall sick with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms.
HOW IT SPREADS: The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets/aerosols generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or exhales. You can also be infected by breathing in the virus if you are within close proximity of someone who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then your eyes, nose, or mouth. It affects both the upper and lower respiratory systems. And recent strain also affects other systems of the body.
What are the major complications and post-COVID recovery challenges?
Doctors are not only facing challenges during the COVID treatment but also during the post-COVID rehab. Here we will discuss Post COVID complications and the role of RESPIRATORY PHYSIOTHERAPISTS in COVID and post-COVID recovery.
1) ARDS (ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME): Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occurs when fluid builds up in the tiny, elastic air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. The fluid keeps your lungs from filling with enough air, which means less oxygen reaches your bloodstream. This deprives your organs of the oxygen they need to function.
ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY: Postural drainage, Percussion, Vibration, Breathing exercises, Cough stimulation techniques, Huffing and Coughing
CHEST PHYSIOTHERAPY has been shown to improve the compliance of lungs and the study has shown the positive effects of chest physical therapy on arterial oxygenation, oxygen consumption, total lung/ thorax compliance, cardiac output, and airway resistance caused due to the routine use of mechanical ventilation in COVID patients. It also helps in improving lung/thorax compliance in patients with pneumonia patches and post-COVID lung collapse or fibrosis. The efficacy of chest physical therapy can be determined by a reduction in the incidence of pulmonary infection or an improvement in pulmonary function.
2) GENERALISED WEAKNESS: Caused because of continuous fighting against the viral load.
ROLE OF SUPPLEMENTS: According to some researchers VIT D given in tab or infusion form has proven to be effective. Also, B complex, multivitamins including Zinc and vitamin C have proven to be effective in tackling the weakness preceding the infection.
ROLE OF PHYSIOTHERAPY: Breathing and Chest expansion exercises have been proven to improve oxygen saturation and blood flow to the body. However, this has been shown to improve the general body condition. It has also been seen that the Strengthening of muscles using resistance bands or weights has improved the weakness caused due to COVID. plus it improves the oxygen reserve of a larger muscle.
3) CRAMPS IN LEG: Lack of electrolytes and vitamins like Vit D, and B Complex can cause this.
REMEDY: Multivitamin Supplements and StrengtheningExercises
4) NUMBNESS, TINGLING, NEURALGIA PAIN FELT IN YOUR LIMBS: After effects of COVID infections.
REMEDY: B complex and B12 supplements help to cope up with this complication. Again strengthening and graded mobilization have proven to help in this condition.
5) FEELING BREATHLESS, COUGH, IRRITATION IN THROAT, TIGHTNESS IN CHEST: This is caused by to collapse of a part of the lungs and airways resulting in the accumulation of sputum in the chest and the inability of respiratory muscles to throw it out aggravating the problem
REMEDY- Chest Physiotherapy, Breathing, and Chest Expansion exercises would help to improve the compliance of the lungs and help in the expulsion of sputum. Graded mobilization will help in improving the PRE and help in recovering faster.
It generally takes 4-6 months for complete recovery from COVID-19 but you can recover faster and better with the help of physiotherapy and supplements.
Why choose Fysiofit physiotherapy clinic?
Here at Fysiofit Physiotherapy, we are trying to provide the solution to all the problems under one roof with a team of experts. YouTube link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEiTnCHLUJY&t=16s
For Further Details Contact :
Dr.PRIYANKA KUMBHARE ( MPTh Cardio-Respiratory sciences)
Fysiofit Physiotherapy Clinic- 8551929475