The Effects of Coronavirus on the Lungs and Ways to Protect Yourself

COVID-19 is primarily a viral infection targeting the respiratory tract and lungs. The virus attaches to the air sacs in the lungs, causing inflammation. This can lead to a wide range of health issues, from mild respiratory problems to severe respiratory failure. Lung involvement becomes particularly evident in individuals with underlying chronic conditions.

• The COVID-19 virus damages cells by binding to ACE2 receptors in the lungs.
• The most common symptoms include a severe cough, high fever, and shortness of breath.
• Advanced age, COPD, asthma, and cancer patients carry a higher risk of experiencing a severe infection.
• Vaccines are our most effective shield in preventing the severe damage the virus can cause to the lungs.
• In cases of shortness of breath and a persistent fever, you should seek medical support without delay.

How Does Coronavirus Affect the Lungs?

Once the coronavirus enters the body through the respiratory tract, it advances toward its primary target organ: the lungs. It enters the cells by binding to ACE2 receptors found in small air sacs called alveoli, which facilitate oxygen exchange. After entering the cell, the virus rapidly begins to multiply its own genetic material. This replication process disrupts the normal functions of lung cells, leading to cell death.

As the virus spreads through the lungs, the body's immune system kicks in. Immune cells rush to the site of infection to fight the virus. This defence mechanism causes intense inflammation in the lung tissue. As a result of this inflammation, the air sacs fill with fluid and dead cells, making it difficult for oxygen to pass into the blood. It is precisely at this point that coronavirus lung effects manifest as respiratory distress and pneumonia.

Causes and Risk Factors

The primary cause of the disease is the SARS-CoV-2 virus reaching the respiratory system via droplets or direct contact. However, the extent of the damage the infection leaves in the lungs depends on various risk factors. Advanced age, a weakened immune system, and chronic illnesses are the most prominent risk factors.

Smoking is one of the most significant factors that worsen the course of lung infections. The frequency of hand-to-mouth movements in smokers increases the likelihood of viral transmission. Furthermore, cigarette smoke creates constant inflammation in the respiratory tract and increases mucus production, disrupting the lungs' self-cleaning function and paving the way for infection. The risk of the disease becoming severe enough to require intensive care is significantly higher in smokers compared to non-smokers.

Symptoms of COVID-19 Lung Infection

As the virus descends into the lungs, various defence reactions develop in the body. While symptoms may be mild in the initial stages of the disease, complaints intensify as lung involvement increases. Although symptoms vary from person to person, it is possible to draw a general picture.

• A progressively worsening dry cough
• A persistent high fever
• Shortness of breath and the need to breathe rapidly
• A feeling of pressure and pain in the chest area
• Loss of taste and a diminished sense of smell
• Severe fatigue, widespread muscle and joint aches
• In rare cases, blood in the sputum (phlegm)

In particular, COVID-19 cough symptoms differ from seasonal allergies or a simple cold. The cough is usually dry, stubborn, and increases in severity over time. If this cough is accompanied by shortness of breath and a fever, lung involvement should be suspected.

The Diagnostic Process at the Hospital: How is Lung Damage Detected?

When you present to the hospital with respiratory complaints, a definitive diagnosis is made by examining a swab sample taken from the mouth or nose using the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) method. However, a PCR test only proves the presence of the virus; it does not show the extent of the damage in the lungs.

Imaging methods are used to evaluate the presence of pneumonia and the level of COVID-19 lung damage. A chest X-ray may be preferred as a first step because it provides rapid results and involves less radiation. However, a Computed Tomography (CT) scan is the most reliable method to examine the lung tissue in much greater detail and to detect the disease-specific "ground-glass" opacities. Thanks to CT scans, the extent of inflammation in the lungs is clearly mapped out.

Treatment Process and Recovery Period

The treatment process for the disease is planned according to the severity of the infection, your age, and any accompanying chronic illnesses. The vast majority of patients (about 85%) overcome the infection with mild symptoms and recover within 5-7 days with rest at home, plenty of fluids, and fever-reducing medications.

For the 15% of patients who have lung involvement and suffer from respiratory distress, hospitalisation is necessary. These patients are given oxygen support, antiviral medications, and corticosteroid treatments that suppress the immune system's overreaction. The recovery period for those treated in the hospital generally takes 10-14 days. In severe cases requiring intensive care monitoring, the recovery process can take weeks. Even after recovery, temporary or permanent reductions in lung capacity may be seen in some patients; this condition should be supported with breathing exercises.

Current Variants and the Role of COVID-19 Vaccines in Protecting the Lungs

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the virus has mutated many times. Although current variants generally tend to multiply more in the upper respiratory tract, they still retain the potential to descend into the lungs and cause pneumonia in high-risk groups.

COVID-19 vaccines are our most critical line of defence in preventing the severe damage the virus can cause in the lungs. Vaccines train the immune system to recognise the virus. Thus, when the virus enters the body, it is neutralised by the immune system before it has a chance to descend into the lungs and multiply uncontrollably. In fully vaccinated individuals, the risk of the disease reaching a level that requires intensive care and leaving permanent damage in the lungs drops dramatically.

Complications and High-Risk Groups

When the immune system fails to contain the virus or when an uncontrolled immune response known as a "cytokine storm" develops, serious complications arise. In this scenario, the lung sacs can completely fill with fluid, leading to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). This is a life-threatening risk that can progress to multiple organ failure.

The Relationship Between Coronavirus and COPD

Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are in a high-risk group for experiencing a severe infection because their lung capacity is already limited. In the context of the coronavirus and COPD relationship, it is vital for these patients to strictly adhere to social isolation rules. COPD patients must absolutely continue using their routine bronchodilators or steroid inhalers. Stopping these medications increases respiratory distress and makes the course of COVID-19 much more dangerous.

COVID-19 and Asthma Patients

While the risk of asthma patients catching the infection is no different from healthy individuals, airway sensitivity may increase during the infection. The greatest danger for COVID-19 asthma patients is stopping their asthma medications out of fear of the disease. Continuing routine inhaler treatments prevents asthma attacks, keeping the lungs strong against a potential viral infection. For more detailed information on asthma control, you can review our article titled Don't Let Asthma Affect Your Life.

Cancer Patients and Oncological Treatments

Because the immune system of patients undergoing active cancer treatment (especially chemotherapy) is suppressed, it is harder for them to fight the virus. Cancer patients must avoid crowded environments and pay maximum attention to hygiene rules during their treatment processes. Whether to pause treatment should be decided by an oncology specialist, evaluating the state of the disease and the risk of infection. You can find more information about the relationship between cancer and viruses in our article Viral Infections and Cancer.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Mild infections can be monitored at home; however, certain symptoms indicating lung involvement require emergency medical intervention. It is vital to closely monitor the course of your complaints and take action when you notice danger signs.

• Shortness of breath that becomes evident even while resting
• A constant feeling of pressure or pain in the chest
• A bluish tint (cyanosis) on the lips, face, or nail beds
• Confusion, a tendency to sleep, or difficulty waking up
• A high fever lasting more than 3-4 days despite fever-reducing medications

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should call the 112 Emergency Call Centre without delay or present to the emergency department of the nearest fully equipped hospital.

The COVID-19 and Lung Health Process at BHT CLINIC

A multidisciplinary approach is essential to protect your lung health and ensure a safe treatment process in the event of a potential infection. At our hospital, we have an advanced PCR laboratory for the diagnosis of respiratory tract infections, as well as CT scanners that provide high-resolution imaging with low-dose radiation. Our 24/7 emergency department has the capacity to intervene immediately in sudden-onset respiratory distress.

Especially for our patients undergoing cancer treatment and those with sensitive immune systems, our Medical Oncology department provides services with special isolation measures to minimise the risk of infection. Your treatment plans are meticulously carried out using a Tumour Board approach. To leave nothing to chance with your health and consult with our specialist physicians, you can book an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a risk of catching the same disease again?

Yes, the immunity developed in people who have had the disease can wane over time. Additionally, due to the mutations the virus undergoes (new variants), there is a risk of reinfection even if you have recovered from the disease before. Therefore, it is important to adhere to your vaccination schedule.

Do asthma and COPD medications trigger COVID-19?

No, there is no scientific data suggesting that steroid or bronchodilator inhalers used in the treatment of asthma and COPD trigger the infection. On the contrary, stopping these medications can exacerbate your underlying lung disease, causing you to experience a much more severe infection.

Do COVID-19 symptoms differ in smokers?

The symptoms are basically the same; however, the severity of the disease differs in smokers. Because smoking impairs the lungs' defence mechanism, the infection can rapidly turn into pneumonia, and the need for intensive care increases significantly compared to non-smokers.

Does the disease leave permanent damage in the lungs of those who recover?

Permanent damage is generally not expected in patients who experience a mild case. However, in some patients who go through a severe bout of pneumonia and spend time in intensive care, long-term effects such as scarring of the lung tissue (fibrosis) and a decrease in respiratory capacity can be seen.

Does every high fever and cough mean a suspected case of COVID-19?

A high fever and cough are common symptoms of many different illnesses, such as the flu, the common cold, or bacterial infections. However, considering the ongoing effects of the pandemic, the possibility of COVID-19 should be evaluated first, and a test should be performed for these newly onset and progressively worsening symptoms.

This article is for informational purposes only; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.