Most people who get coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recover within a few weeks. But some people, even those who had mild versions of the disease might have symptoms that last a long time afterward. These ongoing health problems are sometimes called post-COVID-19 syndrome, post-COVID conditions, long COVID-19, long-haul COVID-19, and post-acute sequelae of SARS COV-2 infection (PASC).

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR POST COVID- 19 CONDITION

COVID and Post COVID symptoms are still under research. The cause and the wide range of symptoms makes it more difficult to understand and treat. Homoeopathy can be of great help in managing the lingering symptoms of Long COVID. Though in homoeopathy there are no specific medicine, but the medicines can be selected and used based on the symptom picture which is the basic mode applied for selecting homoeopathic medicines for treating /managing any of the medical conditions. 

Homoeopathy helps in Post COVID Condition like.

• Chronic Cough and Breathlessness. Homoeopathic drugs have proved to be extremely effective in treating respiratory diseases. It also helps in providing symptomatic relief.
• Depression. According to one of the clinical trials, several homoeopathic treatments have come to aid in treating depression and associated issues. The trial reported that patients receiving homoeopathic treatments have been subject to low rates of depression and anxiety.
• Hair Loss. There are many homoeopathic medicines which give wonderful result in hair loss caused by severe illness.
• Gastrointestinal Problems. Homoeopathic remedies provide immense relief from several gastrointestinal problems in the post-COVID phase.
• Weakness. People suffering from chronic fatigue or tiredness which is found in many Long COVID patients, found great relief in homoeopathic medicines.
• Brain fog . Many people complain about brain fog or weakness of memory after COVID. There are several medicines which can improve this condition and give permanent relief to the individual.

Physicians have recommended homoeopathy as a complementary treatment for strengthening immunity and supporting the recovery from post COVID symptoms.

KNOW YOUR DISEASE

It is defined as the continuation or development of new symptoms, three months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, with these symptoms lasting for at least two months with no other explanation.

While common symptoms of long COVID can include fatigue, shortness of breath and cognitive dysfunction over 200 different symptoms have been reported that can have an impact on everyday functioning.

SYMPTOMS OF LONG COVID

People with Long COVID can have a wide range of symptoms that can last weeks, months, or even years after infection. Sometimes the symptoms can even go away and come back again. For some people, Long COVID can last weeks, months, or years after COVID-19 illness and can sometimes result in disability.

Long COVID may not affect everyone the same way. People with Long COVID may experience health problems from different types and combinations of symptoms happening over different lengths of time. Though most patients’ symptoms slowly improve with time, speaking with your doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing after having COVID-19 could help determine if you might have Long COVID.

People who experience Long COVID most commonly report,

General Symptoms

• Tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life
• Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental effort (also known as “post-exertional malaise”)
• Fever

Respiratory and Heart Symptoms

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Cough
• Chest pain
• Fast-beating or pounding heart (also known as heart palpitations)

Neurological Symptoms

• Difficulty thinking or concentrating (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”)
• Headache
• Sleep problems
• Dizziness when you stand up (light headedness)
• Pins-and-needles feelings
• Change in smell or taste
• Depression or anxiety

Digestive Symptoms

• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain

Other Symptoms

• Joint or muscle pain
• Rash
• Changes in menstrual cycles

CAUSES OF LONG COVID

Scientists don’t know for sure what causes Long COVID, but research is providing some clues.

• SARS-CoV-2 particles may become active again, causing symptoms to reappear.
• Overactive immune cells may release high levels of inflammatory substances that can injure organs and tissues.
• The infection may cause the immune system to start making autoantibodies that attack a person’s own organs and tissues.

Symptoms may also be caused by a combination of these and other factors. Research into these factors is ongoing.

RISK FACTORS FOR LONG COVID.
You’re at higher risk for long COVID if you.

• Had severe COVID, especially if you were hospitalized. But it’s important to note that people with mild cases can also get long COVID.
• Had multisystem inflammatory disorder (MIS-C) during or after having COVID.
• Had health conditions that existed before getting COVID. These include lung disease, obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Women

DIAGNOSIS OF LONG COVID

Long COVID is diagnosed by listening to your symptoms and your health history. They may also perform tests to understand more about your symptoms and how to treat them. Depending on your symptoms, they might perform:

• Blood tests.
• Chest X-rays or other imaging.
• CT scans. 
• Lung (pulmonary) function tests.
• Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) or echocardiogram (Echo)

AN OUTLOOK ON LONG COVID CONDITIONS – BY DR. SMRITI’S HOMOEOPATHIC HEALING

Sometimes, medical knowledge lags behind what patients have already been experiencing for a long time. Fortunately, we’ve come a long way in understanding some of the long-lasting symptoms of COVID. Homoeopathy is based on symptom totality and individualisation. Thus offers a perfect treatment option for the Post COVID 19 Conditions which includes symptoms like chronic fatigue, brain fog, breathlessness or unexplained headaches. Giving yourself permission to be gentle with yourself while you recover can be the first step to feeling better and this can be achieved by opting Homoeopathic treatment.