Once energetic and vibrant, Pradeep Tewari, a seasoned journalist never anticipated that the Covid virus, which has partially damaged his lung, could be so profound and life-altering. Despite eventually recovering from the acute phase of the illness, Tewari continues to grapple with debilitating scars in the lung tissue and persistent respiratory symptoms.
As a result, he finds himself feeling trapped by his own body, unable to fully participate in family gatherings or official events or even complete simple tasks like climbing stairs or taking a short walk without gasping for breath.
But the inability to lift his small daughter in his arms due to his weakened lungs is one of the most distressing feelings he experiences. Tewari shares that it’s heartbreaking to see her reach out, expecting to be held, only to be met with his physical limitations.
Tewari’s case serves as a poignant example that reflects in the findings of a recent study conducted by doctors from the Christian Medical College, (CMC) Vellore to investigate the impact of Covid-19 on lung function.
The researchers examined 207 individuals, showcasing substantial impairment in lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life among recovered individuals. It revealed a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms among Indians who recovered, even after a mean of over two months following acute illness, with shortness of breath reported in 49.3 per cent and cough in 27.1 per cent of the cohort. The study is published in the journal PLOS Global Public Health.
“It is clear from the study that lung function is affected more in the Indian population compared to data from other countries across every category of disease severity,” said study lead researcher D J Christopher, professor of pulmonary medicine at CMC Vellore, while comparing data from Europe and China.
An Italy-based study, for instance, found dyspnoea or shortness of breath present in 43 per cent and cough in less than 20 per cent of the subjects. The corresponding figures from a Chinese study were also lower than those seen in the Indian study. In terms of co-morbidities, Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore researchers found 72.5 per cent of individuals reporting underlying health conditions such as diabetes mellitus, systemic hypertension, and chronic lung diseases.
However, Christopher said none of the study subjects had features of active TB at the time of recruitment to the study.
“This study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive post-recovery care and preventive measures to address the long-term health implications of Covid-19 on lung health and overall well-being. This also indicates that there is an anticipated rise in respiratory diseases, including interstitial lung disease (ILD) and lung cancer, among Covid-19 survivors.
As he battles with Long Covid impacts which have partially damaged his lungs and left him disabled in many ways, Tewari now hopes that the study will serve as a wake-up call for the Government to focus its attention to the plight of the patients suffering with Long Covid-19. “There is a need for comprehensive post-recovery care and monitoring as essential services to address these long-term health challenges being faced by patients like us. There is a need to mitigate the risk of lasting lung function impairment,” he says.
Rohit Malhotra is a medical expert and health journalist who offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. His articles aim to help readers lead healthier lives.
