Does COVID-19 cause long-term health issues like mini-strokes, pulmonary scarring, and irritable bowel syndrome? Details here

Scientists believe that recent health issues, especially those related to COVID-19, could be related to illnesses from years ago. According to research in Nature Medicine, minor COVID-19 infections can cause health problems up to three years later. Mini-strokes, pulmonary scarring, and irritable bowel syndrome are among these problems. This is not the same as "long Covid," which is defined by persistent symptoms like exhaustion, confusion, and an accelerated heartbeat. Rather, the report emphasizes a higher chance of contracting fresh illnesses years following an original infection, as per the reports of 'The Wall Street Journal'.

Broader implications of past illnesses

This is not just a COVID-19 problem. Historical evidence points to an increase in instances of Parkinson's disease during the flu epidemic of 1918. Years or even decades after the first infection, more recent research has connected the Epstein-Barr virus to multiple sclerosis. Like the flu, common ailments can potentially have long-term consequences. The University of Texas Health Science Center's Dr. Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez warns that infections can lead to long-term health problems that don't show up right away, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.

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Inflammation as a potential cause

Although the precise reason for these postponed health issues is still unknown, inflammation is probably a contributing component. Inflammation can result from infections as the body's normal defense mechanism against illness. Chronic inflammation has the potential to cause neurological disorders and dementia. To compare over 114,000 veterans with moderate COVID-19 to a control group of over five million veterans without COVID, the study examined information from the Veterans Affairs health system. Three years later, it was shown that those with mild Covid were more likely to experience lung, neurological, and gastrointestinal problems.

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Research findings and long-term risks

Although the increased risk for any one person is very tiny, the pandemic's scope suggests that many people may be impacted, according to research main author Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly. According to the study, there was an even greater chance of future health issues for veterans who were hospitalized with severe COVID. But during the third year, the elevated risk for some illnesses, such as Type 2 diabetes and several autoimmune diseases, appeared to be lessened.

COVID-19's unique impact on health

A variety of immune system alterations are brought on by COVID-19, according to Dr. Graham Snyder of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, while certain viruses only induce latent or chronic infections. Compared to other similar viruses, such as those of influenza, COVID-19 seems to produce more immunological dysregulation and inflammation. COVID-19 differs from other viruses due to its immune system disruption and the range of long-term issues it causes.

FAQs:

Can past infections cause new health issues?
Yes, scientists believe past infections, including mild COVID-19, can cause new health problems like mini-strokes and pulmonary scarring years later.

What did the study on veterans reveal about COVID-19's long-term effects?
The study found that veterans with mild COVID-19 were more likely to develop gastrointestinal, neurological, and pulmonary issues three years later compared to those without COVID-19.