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Pulmonary function and functional capacity in COVID-19 survivors with persistent dyspnoea
Arturo Cortés-Telles1, Stephanie López-Romero2, Esperanza Figueroa-Hurtado1
1Respiratory and Thoracic Surgery Unit. Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de la Peninsula de Yucatan, Calle 7 por 20 y 22 Num. 433, Fraccionamiento Altabrisa, Mérida, Yucatán, 97130, Mexico.
Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology
|March 1, 2021
Summary
Persistent dyspnoea is common in COVID-19 survivors, indicating true physiological mechanisms. Survivors with persistent shortness of breath show reduced lung function and exercise capacity.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Physiology
Background:
- Persistent dyspnoea is a common post-COVID-19 symptom.
- Understanding the physiological underpinnings of long COVID respiratory issues is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological mechanisms behind persistent dyspnoea in COVID-19 survivors.
- To compare pulmonary function and exercise capacity between COVID-19 survivors with and without persistent dyspnoea.
Main Methods:
- 186 non-critical COVID-19 survivors completed questionnaires and underwent pulmonary function tests and 6-minute walk tests.
- Patients were categorized based on the presence (n=70) or absence (n=116) of persistent dyspnoea.
- Spirometry, diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and exercise testing were performed 30-90 days post-infection.
Main Results:
- Patients with persistent dyspnoea exhibited significantly lower forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and DLCO.
- Reduced 6-minute walk distance and lower end-exercise oxygen saturation were observed in the persistent dyspnoea group.
- Higher self-reported ratings of dyspnoea and fatigue were reported by patients with persistent dyspnoea.
Conclusions:
- Persistent dyspnoea in COVID-19 survivors is associated with measurable physiological impairments.
- Findings suggest spirometric restriction, reduced gas exchange, and decreased functional capacity contribute to post-COVID-19 shortness of breath.
- A true physiological basis likely underlies persistent dyspnoea following COVID-19 infection.
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