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Russian pulmonologists are raising alarm over a significant health issue affecting Covid-19 survivors, particularly those over 60 years old. According to Sergey Avdeev, the top pulmonologist at the Russian Health Ministry, a substantial number of recovered patients are at high risk of developing lung fibrosis, a potentially deadly condition that scars lung tissue.
Lung fibrosis, which makes lung tissue thick and stiff, causes shortness of breath and hinders oxygen absorption in the blood. This condition is emerging as a serious long-term complication of Covid-19, presenting new challenges for medical professionals.
Avdeev highlighted that Covid-19, still not fully understood, has forced pulmonologists to reevaluate lung problems in a new light. "We have been actively dealing with post-Covid pulmonary problems recently," he stated in an interview with Lenta. He noted that post-Covid health issues extend beyond lung damage, affecting various organs and systems in the body.
The scale of this problem is significant, with a large number of patients experiencing long-term side effects after recovering from the initial infection. This trend is particularly concerning for the elderly population, who are at higher risk of developing severe complications.
In response to this growing health concern, Russian researchers are conducting clinical trials of a medication that could potentially be a breakthrough in treating lung fibrosis. Avdeev reported that large-scale clinical trials of the Russian-made drug Longidaza are showing "promising" results.
A recent study involving over 400 participants investigated Covid-19's impact on lung function. Preliminary results indicate that the drug could improve post-Covid lung issues in vulnerable groups, including elderly individuals and those with cardiovascular diseases.
This research comes at a crucial time, as the world continues to grapple with the long-term effects of the pandemic. While the World Health Organization (WHO) declared in May 2023 that coronavirus was no longer a global health emergency, Covid-19 cases and related deaths continue to be reported worldwide.
According to WHO data, 36,014 cases were registered globally in the seven days leading up to May 19, marking a week-on-week increase of 2,336. These figures underscore the ongoing nature of the pandemic and the importance of addressing its long-term health implications.
The Russian experts' warnings and ongoing research highlight the complex and evolving nature of Covid-19's impact on public health. As more information emerges about the long-term effects of the virus, healthcare systems worldwide may need to adapt to address these emerging challenges.
The development of potential treatments like Longidaza offers hope for those suffering from post-Covid lung fibrosis. However, the situation also emphasizes the importance of continued vigilance in preventing Covid-19 infections, particularly among vulnerable populations.
As the medical community continues to study and respond to these post-Covid health issues, public health strategies may need to evolve to include long-term care and support for Covid-19 survivors, especially those at higher risk of developing complications like lung fibrosis.
