COVID-19, commonly known as coronavirus, is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people who get infected experience respiratory symptoms that can range from mild to moderate, which do not require specialized treatment.
COVID-19, commonly known as coronavirus, is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people who get infected experience respiratory symptoms that can range from mild to moderate, which do not require specialized treatment; however, a significant portion of the population, especially those with comorbidities, may suffer from severe complications that can be fatal.
People who have been infected may suffer from long COVID, a persistence of the infection that presents with a set of symptoms that come and go or are constant. According to the WHO, long COVID is characterized by symptoms that last at least two months and are not related to another illness.
If you suffered from COVID, with or without severe symptoms, but still experience symptoms of the disease after three months, it is necessary to see a specialist for an evaluation. In Arizona, the best care and treatment for this disease can be found at Mitogenesis, where a specialized team, led by Dr. Mel, will conduct a comprehensive analysis and recommend a holistic treatment so you can regain your health and improve your quality of life.
It is essential to highlight that long COVID can affect anyone who had a mild or even asymptomatic illness, as well as those who experienced severe cases of COVID.
Long COVID affects multiple systems of the body, so it can sometimes be confused with other conditions and makes diagnosis difficult. The most common symptoms include:
Although these are the most common symptoms, some studies have identified more than 200 symptoms that have been associated with long COVID. The variability of this condition, in addition to complicating its diagnosis, reveals the importance of personalized treatment that is tailored to each patient, their environment, their comorbidities, among other factors.
All people who have had COVID-19, whether asymptomatic, with mild symptoms, or who have suffered complications, can develop long COVID symptoms. However, there are certain factors that can increase the risk:
Some studies have also shown the trend that women are more likely to suffer from long COVID, but the causes have not yet been determined.
Moreover, health inequities related to economic, geographical, and social factors can influence the risk and severity of long COVID.
Currently, six years after the first COVID-19 infections in humans, the exact cause of long COVID is still unknown. There are several lines of research that suggest possible explanations for how this virus can affect a person for such a long time. The most analyzed by the medical community are:
It should be considered that, for the moment, they are only hypotheses being explored in studies at different levels. The objective is to understand the pathophysiology of long COVID and how it persists in the body for such a long time in order to develop effective treatments.
As we mentioned earlier, due to the wide range of symptoms that the disease can present, diagnosing the condition is complicated and can be confused with other ailments. Currently, there is no specific test to diagnose long COVID, but there are clinical assessment methods that allow specialists to determine that COVID is the cause of the symptoms and exclude other possible causes.
At Mitogenesis, the patient's complete history, the duration of symptoms, the environment they are in, among other factors, are taken into account. Based on the comprehensive results of the complementary tests, other conditions are ruled out. It is essential that patients clearly communicate their symptoms and their temporal evolution to facilitate an accurate diagnosis.
Unlike the initial illness, long COVID requires treatment that focuses on symptom relief and improving the quality of life for patients. Since symptoms vary significantly from one individual to another, the therapeutic approach must be personalized and address all factors.
Some strategies include:
It is crucial that patients work closely with their healthcare providers to develop a treatment plan that meets their needs.
Long COVID significantly affects the quality of life and how individuals can function in their daily lives. Persistent symptoms can limit people's ability to work, study, and carry out daily activities, which affects their economic and social well-being.
Living with long COVID is a formidable challenge for anyone, regardless of their age or socioeconomic situation. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the general advice of medical specialists and healthcare professionals. Some of the advice we recommend at Mitogenesis is:
At Mitogenesis, we offer an innovative and personalized approach to treating the symptoms of patients with long COVID. We comprehensively combine functional medicine, the latest in medical technology, and regenerative therapies to address the root causes of the imbalances caused by long COVID.
Before starting any treatment, Mitogenesis conducts a comprehensive panel of tests to identify the origin of the symptoms and highlight other possible conditions. Some of the tests we can perform are:
This holistic approach allows for understanding the biological causes behind persistent symptoms.
Patients who have received personalized therapies at Mitogenesis for long COVID have reported:
If you are dealing with persistent symptoms after COVID-19, at Mitogenesis we offer you a comprehensive evaluation and evidence-based therapies to help you regain your well-being.
Book your personalized consultation at Mitogenesis today and discover a healing plan tailored to your body and health history. Please call us or fill out a contact form with your information!
Sources:
Post COVID-19 condition (Long COVID) (https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/item/post-covid-19-condition)
Long COVID: major findings, mechanisms and recommendations (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9839201/)
Long-COVID, Metabolic and Endocrine Disease (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9363148/)
Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19: A metabolic perspective (https://elifesciences.org/articles/78200)
Reviewed by:
Dr. Mel Schottenstein
Naturopathic Doctor
NMD, MBE, MScN, FICT, FSCT
Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of your physician or other health care professional. Do not use the information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal or homeopathic supplement, or using any treatment for a health problem.
