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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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