Long COVID - information and specialists

Long COVID refers to persistent symptoms that can occur after an acute COVID-19 infection. People who suffer from Long COVID continue to have health problems weeks or even months after recovering from the acute infection, which can affect them in their daily lives. Below you will find more information and specialists for Long COVID.

Definition: What is Long COVID?

Long COVID refers to persistent symptoms that can occur after an acute COVID-19 infection. These symptoms may persist for weeks or even months after recovery from the acute infection.

Long COVID can occur after an acute infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus@ artegorov3@gmail / AdobeStock

Causes of long COVID

The exact causes of Long COVID are not yet fully understood. It is thought thatvarious factors may play a role, including

• persistent inflammation in the body
• Immune reactions that are directed against the body
• possible permanent damage to organs and tissues due to acute COVID-19 infection

Individual susceptibility to Long COVID may also depend on genetic, immunological and environmental factors.

Symptoms of Long COVID

The symptoms of Long COVID can be diverse and vary in severity. The most common include

• persistent exhaustion and fatigue
• Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
• Muscle pain and joint pain
• Memory problems and difficulty concentrating
• Sleep disorders and insomnia
• Cardiovascular complaints such as palpitations or chest pain
• neuropsychiatric symptoms such as anxiety and depression

It is important to emphasize that the symptoms of Long COVID can vary from person to person and may change over time.

Long COVID manifests itself through persistent exhaustion and fatigue, among other things @ Georgii / AdobeStock

Diagnosis of long COVID

Diagnosing Long COVID can be challenging as there are no specific tests to confirm the condition. Doctors usually rely on:

• a thorough history of the patient's symptoms and medical history
• physical examinations
• Exclusion of other possible causes for the symptoms

Treatment of Long COVID

As Long COVID is a complex and multifaceted syndrome, there is no specific treatment that is equally effective for all patients. Treatment focuses on alleviating the symptoms and improving the quality of life of those affected. This can include

• Medication to relieve pain and manage symptoms such as fatigue and sleep disturbances
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation to restore physical functioning
• Psychological support and counseling for psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression
• Supportive therapies such as occupational therapy and alternative medicine approaches

It is important that treatment is tailored to the individual needs of each patient.

Prognosis

The prognosis of Long COVID varies greatly from case to case. Some patients make a full recovery, while others continue to struggle with long-term symptoms. However, early diagnosis and comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment can help to alleviate symptoms and aid recovery.

It is important to be patient and engage in ongoing care from a multidisciplinary team of doctors, therapists and other healthcare professionals.

If you are experiencing symptoms of Long COVID or are concerned, please contact your doctor or healthcare professional for appropriate assessment and support.