The COVID-19 virus, which has caused the death of millions of people around the world, is still in effect. Conducted research also reveals that the ‘long COVID syndrome’, or ‘prolonged COVID’, which causes the effects of the virus to last for months, occurs in many people. In a news we conveyed to you last month, we conveyed that this situation was discovered to be seen in 40% of infected people.
Also; It has been revealed that this syndrome, which causes long-term problems such as memory loss, fear, fatigue, shortness of breath and sleep difficulties, can be detected by sniffing by dogs. A new screening technique, which is now used, has revealed another effect of the ‘long COVID’.
There may be hidden damage to the lungs
A new scanning method using xenon gas was used in a study conducted in the United Kingdom. This study of the lungs revealed that some people who have long suffered from COVID syndrome may have hidden damage to their lungs.
Scientists, who suggested that this possibility emerged in the study, which examined 11 people who had shortness of breath long after being caught with COVID, stated that larger and more detailed studies were carried out to verify the data obtained. In addition, it was emphasized by the researchers that this abnormality in the lungs could reveal detailed information about the prevalence of shortness of breath caused by COVID.
Research could lead to the development of more effective treatments
Apart from the 11 people mentioned in the study, it was reported that there were 12 people who did not have long COVID syndrome and 13 people as the control group. These participants, who inhaled xenon gas, which behaved similarly to oxygen but could be monitored with scans, were examined with magnetic resonance imaging. For this reason, the passage of gas from the lungs to the bloodstream could be followed.
In the research results, experts observed that the passage of gas in people with long COVID syndrome is different than in healthy people. In addition, it was stated that this abnormality was observed in the group of 12 people.
Stating that there is no abnormality in lung x-rays in general, scientists think that this screening method can answer questions about long COVID syndrome and shortness of breath. Also, one of the researchers Prof. Fergus Gleeson also said that if this research can be confirmed, it is possible to see the problems in the lungs of people with long COVID, the causes and consequences of it; Thus, he states that more effective treatments can be developed.
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