One-third of long Covid patients still need oxygen

Parminder Malhotra, a 45-year-old from West Delhi, continues to struggle with the effects of Covid-19 five years after contracting the Delta variant. Once a fitness enthusiast, he now finds it difficult to climb the stairs to his second-floor apartment without feeling breathless. His oxygen levels can drop dangerously low, prompting him to keep an oxygen cylinder handy. Malhotra has been visiting a long Covid clinic at AIIMS since his illness in 2021, which caused lung fibrosis. This condition leads to lung tissue scarring, making it hard to breathe. Although there is no cure, treatment can help manage symptoms. He undergoes regular check-ups to monitor his lung health and often finds climbing stairs leaves him feeling uneasy for several minutes afterward. Dr. Anant Mohan, a pulmonary expert, explains that severe Covid infections can cause significant lung damage. Patients like Malhotra require ongoing care and lifestyle adjustments. Regular breathing exercises and vaccinations are essential for their health. A recent study by Dr. Mohan revealed that about one-third of patients at the clinic struggle with breathing and need additional oxygen support. These aftereffects of Covid can last well beyond two years and are more common in those with severe infections. Malhotra, who needed oxygen support for much of 2022, began to reduce his reliance on it in 2023. However, a coughing episode during Diwali that year required him to use oxygen again. His condition has changed his family's life drastically. His wife, Anjali, has managed their household and children while dealing with the stress of his health challenges. Malhotra recalls the rapid decline in his health in April 2021 when he struggled to breathe within days of showing symptoms. He spent months in medical care, relying on a ventilator and rehabilitation to improve his condition post-discharge. As he adjusted to his new life, he transitioned from his engineering job to running a small electrical appliance store. Despite the challenges, the couple remains optimistic and focused on a healthier future for themselves and their children. “There is no option but to move on,” Malhotra says, embracing a disciplined lifestyle as they look ahead.