Indians left with lasting lung damage post COVID? Know what study has to say

A recent study conducted by the Christian Medical College, Vellore, suggests that Indians recovering from COVID-19 encounter more severe lung issues compared to their European and Chinese counterparts. The study indicates that these persistent symptoms might endure for up to a year in certain cases, while others may face lasting impairment in lung function.

As reported by India Times, Dr. Suranjit Chaterjee, senior consultant of internal medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, (not affiliated with the study) said, "Based on the available evidence, long Covid may manifest even in individuals who experienced mild COVID-19 episodes. Symptoms tend to improve with appropriate therapy and medications."

Regarded as the first of its kind study for Indians

This research underscores that Indian patients in the study showed a higher prevalence of underlying health conditions and greater lung damage compared to Europeans and Chinese individuals. Regarded as the first of its kind for Indians, this study sheds light on the prolonged consequences of COVID-19 on lung health and overall well-being.

Another ICMR study analyzed data from 14,419 patients across 31 hospitals

According to another study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in 2023, approximately 6.5% of hospitalized COVID-19 patients succumbed to the disease within the subsequent year. This mortality rate aligns with global data trends. The study analyzed data from 14,419 patients across 31 hospitals, spanning those hospitalized since September 2020.

These cases involved infections presumed to be caused by various coronavirus variants, including the original strain, delta, or omicron. Moreover, the study focused on outcomes among patients with moderate to severe disease, revealing that 17.1% experienced post-COVID-19 conditions such as fatigue, breathlessness, and cognitive abnormalities like brain fog and difficulty concentrating. Notably, individuals with these post-COVID-19 conditions were nearly three times more likely to succumb to the disease.

Here are 5 effective ways to take care of your lungs:

Quit Smoke: Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for lung disease. If you smoke, quitting is the single best thing you can do for your lung health. Avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke is also crucial.

Exercise Regularly: Engaging in regular physical activity can improve lung function and capacity. Aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling are particularly beneficial for lung health.

Practice Good Posture and Breathing Techniques: Maintaining proper posture and practicing deep breathing exercises can help optimize lung function. Diaphragmatic breathing techniques, also known as belly breathing, can help strengthen the diaphragm and improve lung capacity.

Take steam and wear masks: Minimize exposure to air pollutants which can irritate the lungs and exacerbate respiratory conditions. Wear masks whenever you step outside. Practice taking steam atleast twice a day to heal your lungs from pollution or external infection.

Eat a Healthy Diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide essential nutrients that support lung health. Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, and nuts, may help protect the lungs from oxidative stress and inflammation.

Also watch: Death risk lingers till 3 months post Chikungunya infection according to Lancet study