One in 10 people who get coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have symptoms that last long after the illness clears. This is known as a post-COVID syndrome.
According to Harbor Audiology, the longest COVID symptoms can cause problems in different parts of the body and can occur weeks, months, or even years after the initial infection. Understanding these ongoing health issues is important.
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Brain Fog
While many people experience brain fog occasionally, it is also a symptom of numerous health conditions, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disease. In addition, it may result from stressors in your life or certain medications you’re taking.
Depending on the cause of your brain fog, your doctor may prescribe medication that can help clear it up. For example, if it’s caused by a nutrient deficiency or a lack of sleep, your doctor can prescribe medications such as vitamin D or iron to help your body function better.
If it’s the result of a hormonal issue, your doctor may recommend hormone-regulating supplements or medication. They can also recommend lifestyle changes that make you feel more alert and energized.
For instance, it can be helpful to eat foods that are known to improve concentration and focus. This includes foods with low glycemic indexes, such as vegetables and fruits. Additionally, eating a healthy diet can help boost your energy and mood.
However, if your brain fog isn’t responding to these changes, your doctor may need to prescribe something stronger to get your mind working again. Some medicines are available that can help, such as benzodiazepines or beta blockers.
You can also try avoiding foods that trigger it. For instance, if you often have trouble focusing after eating wheat bread, you might want to cut it out of your diet.
The same goes for caffeine, which can help you focus but can also lead to a racing heart and high blood pressure. In general, a good balance of healthy dietary choices and regular exercise is recommended to beat brain fog.
Your doctor can also help you manage any other mental or physical issues that may be causing your brain fog. For example, if you’re dealing with depression or anxiety, getting counseling and learning strategies for managing those symptoms might be beneficial.
Similarly, if you have lupus or sclerosis, it might be helpful to see your doctor for a consultation to discuss whether treatment can help reduce your cognitive impairment. Your doctor can also determine if your brain fog is a side effect of your medications. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to address your cognitive symptoms as soon as possible so you can start feeling better.
Numbness and Tingling
Numbness and tingling are often caused by pressure on nerves, like when you sit cross-legged or wear tight clothing. Once you move, the numbness usually goes away. However, you should see a doctor immediately if it isn’t going away. It may be a sign of a serious problem, such as multiple sclerosis or an injury.
People with COVID-19 tend to experience numbness and tingling in different parts of their body, such as their arms and legs. It can be painful and last for a long time.
The reason for numbness and tingling is that one of the pathways from the sensory receptors in your skin to your brain malfunctions. Many diseases or disorders can cause it, but it is typically more likely to happen in patients with a preexisting condition such as diabetes or chronic lung disease.
In rare cases, numbness and tingling can be caused by a condition in the brain or spinal cord called neuropathy. A vitamin or mineral deficiency usually causes these conditions, but they can also be the result of an injury to the nerves.
Some diseases or medications can also cause numbness and tingling, including cancer treatment drugs, blood thinners, narcotic pain relievers, and antibiotics. These symptoms can last for months or even years, so seeking treatment as soon as possible is important.
Another major cause of numbness and tingling is carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition occurs when pressure on the median nerve causes it to become entrapped in the wrist. It is most common in people who spend much time typing or using their hands.
People with numbness and tingling that lasts for a long time are at risk for developing more severe symptoms in the future. This condition can lead to nerve damage, muscle weakness, and problems with balance and coordination.
Medication, physical therapy, or other treatments can treat numbness and tingling. These can be as simple as applying an ice pack or heat pack to the area or more advanced and specialized treatments such as injections into the arm or leg.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a symptom that can last for weeks or months after you have recovered from your COVID infection. It is one of the most common long-term symptoms of the disease and can significantly impact your quality of life.
Everyone experiences fatigue differently, but most people describe it as feeling tired or lack of energy. It can also cause issues with short-term memory or irritability.
Various factors, including depression, anxiety, stress, and grief can trigger the onset of fatigue. In addition, it can occur as a side effect of certain medications or autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis or lupus.
While many of these conditions can be treated, if you are experiencing prolonged fatigue or find it is getting worse, it’s time to see your doctor. They can do diagnostic tests to pinpoint the underlying problem and prescribe treatment to help you feel better.
Your doctor will probably start by asking you about your symptoms. You may have to complete some medical tests to rule out physical causes, such as infections or hormonal problems. Your doctor may also refer you for mental health testing or a sleep study.
Fatigue is a normal part of aging, but it can also be a sign that you need to rest or take steps to improve your health. If you’re having trouble sleeping, avoid alcohol or caffeine, and eat foods that give you energy.
When you’re sick, you may experience more fatigue than usual because your body is working to heal. It’s normal to experience mild fatigue when you have the flu or a cold, but if your fatigue is severe or lasts more than a few days, it’s important to speak with a doctor.
Fatigue is the longest of all the symptoms of the COVID pandemic, and it can linger for weeks or months after you have recovered from the disease. It is the most common symptom of the virus and can greatly affect your ability to function on a daily basis.
Loss of Smell
Loss of smell, or anosmia, is the symptom most often associated with COVID-19. It can occur during the illness and linger weeks, months, or even years after you recover.
People with COVID-19 may lose their sense of smell for several reasons, including because they were infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic or other medical conditions that affect the nasal and sinus systems. But a new study has found that it may also be linked to an ongoing immune assault on olfactory nerve cells and an associated decline in those neurons.
This new research sheds light on a vexing problem that has plagued millions of people who have not fully recovered from COVID-19, researchers report online on Dec. 21 in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people lost their ability to smell, and some have never regained it. That’s because olfactory neurons in your nose and mouth grow slowly, and the connection between the sensory neurons and your brain may need to be “shaken down” before they can work properly again.
According to researchers from Duke Health, this could be one of the factors behind a condition called parosmia, which happens before patients recover their sense of smell and can make unpleasant odors like garbage or smoke taste pleasant.
The study suggests that if you experience a loss of smell and have a COVID-19 infection, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about it. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist who can provide treatment for the individual symptoms you are experiencing.
You can find a rhinologist or doctor specializing in nose and throat on the American Rhinologic Society website. This will enable you to find one in your area and schedule an appointment.
A rhinologist can also perform nasal endoscopy, which is a procedure that allows doctors to see the inside of your nose and examine the lining of your nose and cranial nerves. This can help doctors diagnose any conditions that might be causing your long-term symptoms, such as chronic sinusitis or a neurological disorder.
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