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How Covid-19 Affects the Respiratory System

The world has been dealing with unprecedented times amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, and so far it does not show signs of slowing here in the United States. Every day we hear stories about how people’s lives have been gravely impacted by the virus and Covid-19 symptoms they experienced.

 How can you prepare, especially when symptoms can so closely mimic a typical cold or flu? The team from Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists answer this question below.

It is important that you know what the Covid-19 symptoms look like, especially as we approach the fall and start thinking about fall allergies and winter illnesses that are inevitably coming our way. Understanding symptoms of the virus in comparison to sinus infection symptoms can also be instrumental in discerning which illness is affecting you or those around you.

 If you think that you recognize the symptoms, do not hesitate to get yourself tested, or to encourage your loved one to get tested. The quicker you act, the better off you will be in the long run.

So how does Covid-19 affect the respiratory system?

Covid-19 symptoms can wreak havoc on the body of those who contract it and can target you in many ways. However, the most common, and one of the most serious ways that the virus tends to affect people is by going after the respiratory system, targeting the lungs specifically when the virus reaches a particularly dangerous level, especially when it mimics sinus infection symptoms.

There are a few serious respiratory diseases that can be a direct result of the virus’s symptoms according to Johns Hopkins Medical website, such as:

  • Pneumonia
  • Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
  • Sepsis

In each case, the damage to the person’s body can be severe and can last longer than the disease that caused them. It’s important to know what each of these may look like so if you begin to experience symptoms you can alert your doctor as soon as possible. Pneumonia cases that result from Covid-19 symptoms are known to be very serious, and the chances of the illness leaving lasting effects is higher. Breathing difficulties may occur for months after the pneumonia is gone, often mimicking sinus infection symptoms.

ARDS can be a result of a severe case of pneumonia and is a form of lung failure categorized by shortness of breath. Those who have the illness and see it progress this far may have permanent pulmonary scarring.

Sepsis is not an infection of the lungs but can be a result of one. It occurs when the infection spreads to the bloodstream and leaves lasting damage throughout the tissue in the body. Just like ARDS, it can leave lasting damage to the organs, particularly the lungs.

The American Lung Association notes that bronchitis can also be a serious side effect of Covid-19. Bronchitis affects the bronchi in the lungs, which are tubes through which air flows. They also note that Covid-19 comes with a host of more minor respiratory problems, such as a runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever, and fatigue.

Sinus Infection Symptoms or Covid-19? Contact South Florida Sinus Today

If you experience any of these Covid-19 symptoms and suspect they may be more than typical cold, flu, or sinus infection symptoms, contact your physician or visit a testing site near you. If you believe your symptoms are sinus related, call the office of Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists at 954-951-4773 to schedule an appointment today.