Study by Christian Medical College, Vellore shows grave reality
Indians, compared to Europeans & Chinese, had more lung function damage
Study conducted during first wave of pandemic
A study done by Christian Medical College, Vellore revealed that Indians had more lung function damage when compared to Europeans and Chinese. It is said that a significant number of Indians who recovered from Covid had lung function impairment and lingering functions for months.
The study conducted during the first wave of the pandemic is touted as the country’s largest to investigate SARS-CoV-2’s impact on lung function. In all, 207 individuals were examined. After over two months of recovery, complete lung function test namely gas transfer (DLCO), which measures the ability to transfer oxygen from the air breathed to the bloodstream, was affected in 44%, which CMC doctors called “very worrying”; 35% exhibited a restrictive lung defect, which would affect the ability of the lung to inflate with air as they breathe and 8.3% had an obstructive lung defect which would affect the ease with which air could move in and out of the lungs. Quality of life tests also demonstrated an adverse impact.
Dr Puneet Komarla Nagendra, Associate Professor, Respiratory Medicine CDSIMER, agrees with the above study. He said lung infections and especially allergies like asthma and breathlessness have significantly gone up post covid. He said, “Initially we thought it was post-traumatic stress disorder as the pandemic was a stressful one, so I tried to see the psychological impact but they seemed perfectly well otherwise doing very well in the other areas of their life. So, it has to be the covid effect, I would say.”
He emphasised that consulting a doctor immediately is very important if any of the symptoms like breathlessness or asthma persists beyond normal. He also warned not to let the guard down if you were not infected by covid during the pandemic. Even a small fever or cold during those times could have been the virus itself. He urged people with comorbidities to take their shot flu vaccine.
Agreed the damage has been done but can it be reversed? Yes, says Dr Ananya Kadambini, MD Ayurveda, Prashanthi Ayurvedic Hospital. She says whatever is the level of damage done to the lungs, it can be completely cured with medication. She says patients with even severe pneumonia too have been successfully treated in Ayurveda. For lesser damage to the lungs, including foods such as turmeric, pepper in our daily diet, along with taking steam with tulsi leaves or even drinking warm water early in the morning helps, she adds.
Study by Christian Medical College, Vellore shows grave reality
Indians, compared to Europeans & Chinese, had more lung function damage
Study conducted during first wave of pandemic
A study done by Christian Medical College, Vellore revealed that Indians had more lung function damage when compared to Europeans and Chinese. It is said that a significant number of Indians who recovered from Covid had lung function impairment and lingering functions for months.
The study conducted during the first wave of the pandemic is touted as the country’s largest to investigate SARS-CoV-2’s impact on lung function. In all, 207 individuals were examined. After over two months of recovery, complete lung function test namely gas transfer (DLCO), which measures the ability to transfer oxygen from the air breathed to the bloodstream, was affected in 44%, which CMC doctors called “very worrying”; 35% exhibited a restrictive lung defect, which would affect the ability of the lung to inflate with air as they breathe and 8.3% had an obstructive lung defect which would affect the ease with which air could move in and out of the lungs. Quality of life tests also demonstrated an adverse impact.
Dr Puneet Komarla Nagendra, Associate Professor, Respiratory Medicine CDSIMER, agrees with the above study. He said lung infections and especially allergies like asthma and breathlessness have significantly gone up post covid. He said, “Initially we thought it was post-traumatic stress disorder as the pandemic was a stressful one, so I tried to see the psychological impact but they seemed perfectly well otherwise doing very well in the other areas of their life. So, it has to be the covid effect, I would say.”
He emphasised that consulting a doctor immediately is very important if any of the symptoms like breathlessness or asthma persists beyond normal. He also warned not to let the guard down if you were not infected by covid during the pandemic. Even a small fever or cold during those times could have been the virus itself. He urged people with comorbidities to take their shot flu vaccine.
Agreed the damage has been done but can it be reversed? Yes, says Dr Ananya Kadambini, MD Ayurveda, Prashanthi Ayurvedic Hospital. She says whatever is the level of damage done to the lungs, it can be completely cured with medication. She says patients with even severe pneumonia too have been successfully treated in Ayurveda. For lesser damage to the lungs, including foods such as turmeric, pepper in our daily diet, along with taking steam with tulsi leaves or even drinking warm water early in the morning helps, she adds.
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