Pulmonary complications due to COVID-19 – a literature review

Abstract

Introduction: irst cases of a disease called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by a novel virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) of the coronavirus family, were detected in December 2019. The disease is manifested by a variety of symptoms and can run a different course: from oligosymptomatic or asymptomatic to the development of acute respiratory failure and even death. Aim: The aim of this paper is to provide critical analysis of the potential pulmonary complications after COVID-19 infection. Material and methods: We have provided the systematic literature review based on which we have discussed the pathophysiology of COVID-19, its outcomes, risk factors and pulmonary complications. Results and discussion: The organs that are most often affected by a SARS-CoV-2 infection are the lungs. An infection with this virus can lead to a severe respiratory tract illness, both in the acute phase and as a complication after a relatively mild case. There are numerous observations of patients convalescing from COVID-19 who suffer from the interstitial pulmonary disease with fibrosis. There are also reported cases of spontaneous pneumothorax after COVID-19. Conclusions: It should be borne in mind that other late complications may appear with time.