COVID-19 worsens the condition of patients with lung disease and may accelerate the decline in lung function! Chest doctor: Even if the symptoms are mild, cough and shortness of breath are more difficult to treat once they are infected

Although the disease of COVID-19 has become milder, for patients with chronic lung diseases, the destructive power of the lungs caused by the disease cannot be ignored. worsening of existing diseases.

Attending Physician, Department of Chest Medicine, National Taiwan University HospitalTo ShijiHe said that the symptoms of COVID-19 this year are somewhat different from the highly lethal form at the beginning of 2019. In the past, fever would break out within a few days, leading to shortness of breath. respiratory or even respiratory failure however, due to changes in virus strains, the symptoms of COVID-19 are now relatively respiratory symptoms such as cold, sore throat, fever, etc., but it is worth noting that it may some high-risk groups get worse and progress to severe disease.

Patients with lung diseases fear irreversible consequences if infected with the new coronavirus

A clinical study shows that what worries patients with lung diseases the most after being infected with epilepsy is the subsequent sequelae Dr. Gu Shiji explained that even though the mild acute phase, once the lungs are in a state of inflammation, decreases. the respiratory mucosa is more likely to collect Sputum locally, causing coughing and excessive phlegm Even after the disease recovers, problems such as wheezing and chest tightness are left, which also affects control original disease; like COPD and pulmonary fibrosis, or asthma, etc., vaccination is certainly the first choice of active protection.

Dr. Gu Shiji said that in addition to patients with lung diseases, other high-risk groups such as the elderly are recommended to be screened quickly when they have symptoms Even if they are negative, they should be screened again every 2 days So, they can know in advance if they have the disease as soon as possible.

Dr. Gu Shiji said that the disease of COVID-19 is still very common Judging from the clinical cases in the emergency department of the National Taiwan University Hospital, a high proportion of patients with severe respiratory diseases in July and August were infected with COVID-19. .The infection path usually comes from family members or even changes among adults at home. Therefore, if there are elderly people or patients with weak immunity at home, you should pay special attention to family members who live with you to get vaccinated to protect you and your family. If you develop symptoms, you should also pay special attention to avoid passing the virus to family members who live with you.

Combining flu and COVID-19 vaccines is the best way to protect high-risk groups

With the arrival of the autumn and winter respiratory disease season, the co-infection of COVID-19 and influenza will lead to very serious diseases JN.1 latest COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine to be combined When the given, the two vaccines do not interact to affect protection and can provide double protection if there are autoimmune diseases, cancer treatment, or subjects using biological agents, the appropriate administration can be timed to discuss with the attending physician. Taking patients with severe asthma for example, they are more concerned that the drug will affect vaccine protection when taking biological agents, but usually there is no major problem as long as the time between both longer than 1 week.

Dr. Gu Shiji also called on patients with chronic lung diseases not to relax in their daily vigil for emergency prevention as well as vaccination. Patients with pulmonary fibrosis in their 70s are in the outpatient clinic With the disease of COVID-19, the disease became the last thing that took over the body and stayed in an institution to recover on.

Dr. Gu Shiji reminded that even ordinary people are still recommended to wear masks and the habit of washing hands often even in crowded places. Regarding patients with chronic lung diseases, in addition to the vaccine, it is recommended that they continue to train their body’s tolerance, and it is better to exercise in an open area with good air circulation.

This article is reproduced with the permission of “Youhuo Health Network”, the original text isCOVID-19 worsens the condition of patients with lung disease and may accelerate the decline in lung function! Chest doctor: Even if the symptoms are mild, cough and shortness of breath are more difficult to treat once they are infected