Shortness of breath and pressure surges. How to manage these and other complications of coronavirus infection
Miscellaneous / / April 03, 2023
What is post-COVID syndrome and who gets it
“Long-covid”, “protracted covid”, “chronic coronavirus” – the syndrome is called differently, but the essence is the same. In this state, a recovered person experiences various health problems for a long time. talk about the syndrome Can only four weeks after the detection of COVID‑19. Long covid is often characterized by multiple organ damage, that is, it affects many body systems. Yes, Syndrome may include including respiratory, cardiovascular, hematological, renal, gastrointestinal, neurological and even metabolic complications.
Authors of one of the systematic reviews indicatethat half of those who have had a coronavirus infection suffer from health problems to one degree or another. In addition, experts supposethat long-covid may affect the development of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular and neurological diseases1.
The virus itself counts especially dangerous for the elderly and those who have chronic diseases, but risk groups for post-COVID have not yet been identified. It is known that age does not affect the likelihood of getting complications - syndrome
may suffer children and teenagers. Will not indicator and the severity of the disease. Also not yet confirmation the fact that vaccinations can alleviate the course of long-covid. In general, anyone who has been ill can experience the side effects of COVID-19.How to manage the different complications of COVID-19
It is important not to let the manifestations of the post-covid syndrome take their course, to be regularly observed by specialists and to follow individual prescriptions. There are also general recommendations for the most common complications.
Chronic fatigue and sleep disorders
In 2020 Irish scientists figured outthat more than half of those who have recovered from coronavirus complain of fatigue. The decline in strength can be so noticeable that it is difficult for a person to cope with routine tasks. To overcome chronic fatigue, experts recommend following:
- Ensure complete sleep. Rest need to at least 7 hours. At the same time, it is important to wake up at the same time even on weekends and not be distracted by gadgets in bed.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Its sedative effect may call additional drowsiness and lethargy.
- Exercise regularly. Return to physical activity as much as you can. For example, WHO recommends give therapeutic exercises 20-30 minutes 5 days a week and include exercises that increase the frequency of breathing.
- Eat a balanced diet. This means that the diet should have enough nutrients, vitamins, fiber, macro- and microelements. It is worth eating often, in small portions and monitoring the amount of protein in foods - its deficiency has to be replenished most often.
A balanced diet can help the body recover. But not everyone can immediately return to a full meal. Changes in tastes and smells can reduce appetite, and problems with swallowing after intubation can reduce portion sizes.
As an addition to the main diet, you can use Nutridrink 200 ml. This is a dietary high protein product designed specifically for nutritional support after serious illness. One can of the drink contains 300 kcal and 12 grams of protein. This nutrient may be especially needed for muscle recovery and physical activity levels. Nutridrink 200 ml It is convenient to drink in small sips without irritating the larynx. There are four flavors in the line: strawberry, chocolate, banana and vanilla.
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Shortness of breath and heaviness in the chest
Most often, these symptoms occur due to lung damage, but sometimes they can indicate and problems with the cardiovascular system. For a suitable treatment strategy, it is necessary to undergo an examination and find out the nature of the complications.
If the problems are related to the lungs, the experts recommend do breathing exercises and gymnastics. For example, during physical activity such as climbing stairs, you can use the technique of metronomized breathing. It assumes that before the effort, a breath is taken through the nose, and the action itself is performed while exhaling through the mouth.
If shortness of breath and heaviness in the chest are due to heart problems, it is important to engage in a full-fledged prevention: monitor blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose, engage in aerobic activities such as brisk walking or swimming, monitor your diet.
Headache
If you are suffering from this symptom, it is important not to take painkillers without a prescription: over-the-counter drugs that are in every medicine cabinet can worsen postcovid headache. Home experts advise be limited compresses on the forehead or neck, massage of the head and neck-collar zone, a walk in the fresh air, a break from work in a quiet place or sleep.
Pain in joints and muscles
Arthralgia (joint pain) and myalgia (muscle pain) are conditions that are often escalate during post-Covid. They can lead to different processesassociated with covid: from pulmonary fibrosis to damage to the nervous system.
Lack of movement can aggravate pain, so experts advise Return to physical activity as you recover. At first, you can just do the usual things at a comfortable pace. Then add simple exercises like chair squats. As soon as you feel better and get permission from a specialist, you can exercise aimingly. For a comfortable recovery of sore muscles and joints, stretching, yoga or tai chi gymnastics are suitable.
Pressure surges and heart palpitations
Coronavirus Maybe affect the cardiovascular system. Therefore, during rehabilitation, it is important to devote time to the prevention of heart disease and to be examined on time. In addition to mandatory measures such as regular activity, giving up bad habits and minimizing stress, it is worth reviewing the diet. For example, cut the amount of salt in food, drink less coffee and forget about energy.
Costs track for the level of potassium: if the indicator in the blood plasma is less than 3.5 mmol / l, a person may experience serious problems in the work of the cardiovascular system. At the same time, a lack of magnesium, less than 0.65 mmol / l, exacerbates symptoms, causing dizziness, severe fatigue, irritability, and sleep problems. More dishes should be added to the menu rich potassium and magnesium: these are fruits and vegetables, legumes, dairy products, nuts.
Digestive problems
Some patients show early signs of coronavirus infection appear gastrointestinal disorders. They can survive and in the post-COVID period. Complications are dangerous because they can lead the body weakened by the disease to nutritional insufficiency, in which arises lack of nutrients necessary for a fulfilling life.
To cope with the complication, it is worth undergoing a complete examination of the gastrointestinal tract and taking tests. After that, the specialist will be able to choose therapy and prescribe an individual diet menu. However, general principles nutrition for problems with the gastrointestinal tract is also available.
- Eat regularly. Four meals a day are acceptable, which contributes to the rhythmic excitation of the food center and the release of digestive juices.
- Reduce mechanical irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Dishes of liquid and mushy consistency are preferred.
- Properly cook food. Boiled, baked and steamed foods have the most sparing qualities.
- Control food temperature. The most suitable is the one that is close to the temperature of the stomach - 36-37 ° C.
Digestive disorders, intoxication, loss of appetite after illness can lead to malnutrition, especially in the elderly. The body will not be able to receive the necessary amount of nutrients that are important for effective rehabilitation. To make up for the deficiency, experts recommend supplementing the diet with specialized nutrition.
For example, Nutridrink 200 ml enriched with vitamins and minerals. It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the optimal ratio, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and other macronutrients. The composition of the nutrient mixture was chosen to increase the rehabilitation potential and physical health indicators after a coronavirus infection. It also reduces the need for respiratory support. Additional uses Nutridrink 200 ml can help the patient recover.
To learn moreINFORMATION FOR PERSONS WITH NUTRITIONAL INSUFFICIENCY. THE PRODUCT OF SPECIALIZED THERAPEUTIC FOOD IS NOT A DIETARY SUPPLEMENT AND A MEDICINE. THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS, A SPECIALIST'S CONSULTATION IS REQUIRED BEFORE USE.