Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to a range of symptoms that persist or emerge after the initial phase of a COVID-19 infection has passed. The exact cause of long COVID is still being studied, but several possible mechanisms are being explored:
1. Immune System Dysregulation
- COVID-19 can trigger an overactive immune response, leading to chronic inflammation. This ongoing inflammation might cause lasting damage to tissues and organs, or keep the immune system in a hyperactive state long after the infection clears.
2. Viral Persistence
- Some researchers believe that fragments of the virus or viral reservoirs may remain in the body, causing continuous immune system activation. Even if the virus is not actively replicating, its remnants may lead to prolonged symptoms.
3. Organ Damage
- Severe COVID-19 infections can cause lasting damage to vital organs, particularly the lungs, heart, and kidneys. This damage can persist and lead to long-term symptoms like difficulty breathing, fatigue, and chest pain.
4. Blood Vessel Abnormalities
- COVID-19 can affect blood vessels and cause clotting issues. These changes may persist and lead to ongoing problems like fatigue, brain fog, or neurological symptoms, possibly due to reduced oxygen and blood flow to certain tissues.
5. Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction (POTS)
- Some long COVID patients develop Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system, leading to symptoms like dizziness, rapid heart rate, and fatigue when standing.
6. Reactivation of Other Viruses
- Some people with long COVID experience reactivation of dormant viruses, like Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which can lead to symptoms similar to chronic fatigue syndrome.
7. Metabolic and Mitochondrial Dysfunction
- COVID-19 might disrupt normal cellular energy production and metabolism, leading to fatigue, muscle weakness, and exercise intolerance, as seen in some long COVID patients.
Risk Factors:
- Severity of the initial infection: Those who had severe cases of COVID-19, particularly those requiring hospitalization or ICU care, may be more likely to experience long COVID.
- Pre-existing conditions: Individuals with underlying health issues like diabetes, obesity, or cardiovascular disease may be at higher risk.
- Age and gender: Long COVID has been reported more frequently in women and middle-aged individuals, although it can affect people of any age.
We can help identify the cause of Long Covid and determine the best way to obtain homeostasis.