COVID-19: A threat to the respiratory system

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pathophysiology

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic, leading to COVID-19.
• Coronaviruses are known to adversely affect the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems.
• Severe COVID-19 cases can progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), increasing mortality risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the respiratory system.
• To explore mechanisms of ARDS-related complications, including lung fibrosis.
• To identify COVID-19 survivors at risk for chronic lung fibrosis.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of SARS-CoV-2 effects on respiratory system components.
• Analysis of mechanisms contributing to ARDS and lung fibrosis.
• Synthesis of information on long-term sequelae of coronavirus infection.

Main Results:

• SARS-CoV-2 infection impacts airways, pulmonary vasculature, lung parenchyma, and the respiratory neuromuscular system.
• Cytokine storm induced by SARS-CoV-2 primarily targets the lungs, causing ARDS.
• Extrapulmonary manifestations and complications are observed in COVID-19 patients.

Conclusions:

• Further understanding of long-term coronavirus infection sequelae is essential.
• Identifying individuals at risk for chronic lung fibrosis post-COVID-19 is a priority.
• This review provides an overview of respiratory complications and potential mechanisms of lung fibrosis in severe COVID-19.