COVID-19 and the lungs: A review

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Infectious Diseases
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection causes COVID-19, leading to pneumonia by targeting pulmonary alveolar cells via ACE2 receptors.
• Pre-existing lung diseases exacerbate COVID-19 severity and mortality, often by increasing ACE2 expression.
• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated significant adaptations in managing lung diseases and their comorbidities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review clinical experiences and adaptations in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To provide insights into managing lung comorbidities in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• To highlight changes in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for pulmonary conditions.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical experiences and literature concerning lung diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Analysis of diagnostic imaging modalities, focusing on the rise of bedside chest sonography.
• Examination of treatment protocol modifications for SARS-CoV-2 and co-existing lung conditions.

Main Results:

• Lung comorbidities significantly increase COVID-19 severity and mortality.
• Chest sonography has emerged as a convenient bedside diagnostic tool.
• Treatment protocols required adaptation due to potential drug interactions and disease severity.

Conclusions:

• Adaptations in diagnostic methods and treatment protocols for lung diseases are crucial for improving survival rates.
• Understanding the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and lung comorbidities is essential for effective patient management.
• Bedside chest sonography offers a valuable alternative for pulmonary diagnostics during pandemics.