Understanding COVID-19 Complications: A Guide for Patients

Creator: Doctronic
Published: 2023-06-14

Key Takeaways

Severe complications develop in approximately 15-20% of COVID-19 cases, with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) being the leading cause of death, typically occurring 8-12 days after symptom onset.
Blood clotting disorders affect up to 30% of hospitalized patients, causing strokes, pulmonary embolisms, and heart attacks even in younger individuals without prior cardiovascular disease.
Adults over 65 have a 90-fold higher risk of death compared to those 18-29, while diabetes increases hospitalization risk by 3-fold and obesity (BMI >30) doubles ICU admission rates.
Paxlovid reduces hospitalization by 89% when started within 5 days of symptoms in high-risk patients, while dexamethasone decreases mortality by 17% in those requiring oxygen support.
Long-term effects persist in 10-30% of survivors, including reduced lung capacity, heart rhythm abnormalities, and cognitive impairment that can last 6+ months post-infection.

While most people with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms that can be managed at home, some individuals, particularly those who are older or have underlying health conditions like diabetes or heart disease, are at a higher risk of developing serious complications. In this article, we'll discuss the various complications that can arise from COVID-19 and what you need to know to stay informed and safe.

Cytokine Release Syndrome (Cytokine Storm)

Many COVID-19 complications may be caused by a condition known as cytokine release syndrome or a cytokine storm. This occurs when an infection triggers your immune system to flood your bloodstream with inflammatory proteins called cytokines, which can damage your organs, including your lungs, heart, and kidneys.

Respiratory Complications

Acute Respiratory Failure

Acute respiratory failure occurs when your lungs fail to pump enough oxygen into your blood or remove enough carbon dioxide. This has been the leading cause of death for those who have died of COVID-19.

Pneumonia

Some individuals who contract the new coronavirus develop severe pneumonia in both lungs. COVID-19 pneumonia is a serious illness that can be deadly, causing inflammation in the air sacs of your lungs and making it harder to breathe.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

ARDS is a common complication of COVID-19, occurring when the lungs are so severely damaged that fluid begins to leak into them. This makes it difficult for the body to get oxygen into the bloodstream, and mechanical ventilation may be necessary until the lungs recover.

Understanding COVID-19 Complications: A Guide for Patients

Other Organ Damage

Acute Liver Injury

Seriously ill COVID-19 patients run the greatest risk of liver damage. Acute liver injury and liver failure are life-threatening complications that can occur suddenly.

Acute Cardiac Injury

Many hospitalized COVID-19 patients have developed heart problems, including arrhythmias and high levels of other cardiac ailments. It's unclear whether the virus itself affects the heart or if the damage occurs due to the overall stress on the body.

Acute Kidney Injury

Although not a common complication, acute kidney injury is serious. If your kidneys stop working properly, doctors will start treatment to stop the damage, which may include dialysis until your kidneys recover. In some cases, the damage may lead to chronic kidney disease.

Septic Shock

Sepsis occurs when your body's reaction to an infection misfires, causing damage to your organs. If left untreated, sepsis can lead to septic shock, a potentially fatal condition characterized by a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

Blood Clots and Coagulopathy

COVID-19 patients may develop unusual blood clots, leading to internal bleeding or organ failure. This condition, called COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC), is life-threatening and caused by the virus itself.

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)

Some children and teens have been hospitalized with MIS-C, a condition linked to the new coronavirus. Symptoms include fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, headache, and confusion, similar to those of toxic shock syndrome or Kawasaki disease.

Chronic Fatigue and Other Long-Term Effects

Some people who have had COVID-19 develop a condition similar to chronic fatigue syndrome, experiencing brain fog, severe fatigue, pain, trouble thinking, or dizziness. In extremely rare cases, COVID-19 may also lead to rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which muscles break down and die, potentially overwhelming the kidneys and causing death.

If you suspect that you or a loved one may be experiencing any of these complications, seek medical attention immediately. Stay informed, follow public health guidelines, and prioritize your health and well-being during this challenging time.

For more information on COVID-19 and its potential complications, visit:

The Bottom Line

Early intervention within the first 5 days is critical for preventing severe outcomes, especially in high-risk individuals over 65 or those with chronic conditions. Vaccination remains the most effective prevention strategy, reducing severe disease risk by over 90%. If you're experiencing worsening symptoms or have concerns about your COVID-19 risk factors, Doctronic can provide quick guidance on next steps.