People who have been seriously ill with respiratory infections may need closer medical follow-up in the future.
Researchers have found indications that severe infections can leave long-lasting changes in the lungs.
This is shown in a new study from the University of Virginia Health System, published in Cell.
The researchers suggest that the body may react differently for a long time after a serious infection.
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Therefore, it may become important to monitor former patients so that any diseases can be detected earlier. Early detection can make treatment more effective.
Changes in the lungs
The researchers examined both laboratory animals and data from people who had previously been hospitalized with COVID-19.
In the study, the scientists found changes in some of the immune cells that normally protect the lungs against infection.
Among other things, they observed changes in cells called neutrophils and macrophages.
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Changes were also found in the cells of lung tissue and in the small air sacs where the body absorbs oxygen.
These changes can lead to prolonged inflammation in the lungs.
Higher occurrence of diseases
The researchers also analyzed patient data from people who had been hospitalized with COVID-19.
They found that these patients later had a higher occurrence of certain diseases.
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The risk was about 1.24 times higher than among people who had not been hospitalized with the illness.
Severe cases of COVID-19 or influenza may therefore increase the risk of lung cancer months or even years later.
At the same time, the research shows that vaccination can reduce the lung changes associated with this risk.
Sources: Science Daily, and Cell.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.