Novel coronavirus has affected millions of people with thousands of testing positive each day. Unfortunately, many of them lost their lives because of this viral disease. As soon as we are exposed to this virus, it starts affecting our body and might take 2-14 days to manifest the symptoms. In this article, we will understand how this virus affects our organs and whole-body systems.
Coronavirus initially reduces the functioning of our lungs and damages the respiratory system. Early symptoms of COVID-19 include dry cough, fever and shortness of breath. People with pre-existing medical conditions might get severely ill in the initial stage only. COVID-19 affects our lungs and as it progresses, develops into acute respiratory distress syndrome. Some of its clinical symptoms are sepsis, infections and trauma. In this condition, our lungs get damaged and fluid leaks from the tiny blood vessels of lungs into the air sacs or alveoli. This collection of fluid diminishes oxygen transport capacity of lungs from the air to blood. Therefore, breathing difficulties are common among coronavirus patients, and ventilator support becomes indispensable in critically ill patients.
Lack of adequate supply of oxygen to our heart might deteriorate heart functioning too. Since lungs are incapable of pumping oxygen effectively, therefore, irregular heart rhythms and altered blood pressure have been observed among coronavirus patients.
Apart from the respiratory system, COVID-19 affects our digestive system as well. Patients often complain of nausea, diarrhoea, loss of appetite and abdominal discomfort. Some of the medical experts have confirmed the presence of the virus in intestinal tissues of some patients.
Although, there has been very little documentation from WHO stating that COVID 19 damages our liver and kidneys. But some hospitalised patients were reported to be suffering from acute kidney damage and liver damage. The levels of liver enzymes were high within their bloodstream but with little evidence that it was because of virus action and not medications. In addition, if the patient develops pneumonia, then it may cause renal damage.
When it comes to combating any minor or major illness, our immune system plays a substantial role. On detecting the presence of any virus or foreign body, the immune system comes into action with an immediate effect to fight against these. During coronavirus, due to the continuous involvement of our immune cells trying to destroy the virus, cytokines are produced in the body. The excess of cytokines in the body is pro-inflammatory in nature. Therefore, inflammation is another challenge which our body faces and requires immediate medical attention. It is because inflammation is associated with ample health disorders and may damage our organs.
All these effects of coronavirus on the body have been confirmed and observed by medical practitioners working endlessly to treat COVID-19 patients. Hence, it is important to take care of our health and protect ourselves from the mutilating effects of coronavirus. Social distancing, maintaining personal hygiene and staying at home are easy and reliable ways to break the coronavirus chain and remain safe.
Stay Home, Stay Safe!
