Indian Journal of Respiratory Care (Jan 2022)

Rehabilitation journey of a COVID-19 survivor from hospitalization to follow-up: A case report of progressive lung fibrosis

  • Anulucia Augustine,
  • Shruti Prabhakaran Nair,
  • Mansi D Darji,
  • Vrushali Panhale

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/ijrc.ijrc_16_22
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 2
pp. 183 – 186

Abstract

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Progressive lung fibrosis, an enduring complication of COVID-19, affects lung function adversely, fatigue levels, exercise tolerance, and health-related quality of life, affecting more than 50% of the confirmed cases. Furthermore, the number of post-COVID survivors is steadily increasing, stipulating a need for early, safe, and effective post-COVID pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). A 62-year-old male diagnosed with viral pneumonitis with severe lung fibrosis post-COVID infection exhibited severe exercise intolerance during hospitalization. An 8-week supervised, structured PR program led to early weaning from oxygen support and improved patient's functional outcomes. Amelioration in the patient's clinical status was demonstrated by a 50% reduction in his fatigue levels and a three-fold change in his functional capacity. This case study highlights the importance of early initiation of PR in optimizing patient's health status and reducing any further functional limitations.

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