(GoHealthier.com) – With COVID still running rampant, it’s important to know the symptoms and side effects. Researchers are now finding some serious and concerning new issues to be aware of in people who come down with the virus. Here’s what to watch out for to seek prompt treatment for any serious and life-altering symptoms.
1. Gangrene
Some COVID patients develop gangrene, which results in tissue death from lack of blood flow to the extremities. Amputation of fingers or toes is common with gangrene, and the severe clotting seen in COVID may cause this condition in extreme cases.
A report from the European Journal of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery detailed an 86-year-old woman in Italy who had her fingers amputated due to gangrene caused by severe COVID infection. While this is rare, it may happen and should be of concern.
A cytokine storm, which is an overreaction in the immune system, seems to be the reason behind this issue. The body is attacking the COVID virus, but it attacks healthy cells and tissues simultaneously. That may cause damage to otherwise healthy areas of the body before the infection is brought under control.
2. COVID Tongue
COVID tongue is another new side effect that researchers are discovering. According to an article in the British Journal of Dermatology, this symptom manifests as ulcers and other tongue and oral cavity problems. It’s not common, but it may be ignored as a potential symptom of COVID infection when it occurs.
The tongue may also swell with this condition, although the reason behind it is unclear. So far, researchers and scientists don’t know what exactly causes COVID tongue, but statistically, it’s only happened to about 1% of people so far. Future studies may shed more light on the cause of this symptom.
3. Rare Eye Infection
According to some scientists, COVID may spawn a rare infection that can steal a person’s sight. Rarely patients have developed keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea that may lead to an infection of the eyeball’s fluids and tissues. The infection is called endophthalmitis. While this side effect has only been seen in a handful of COVID patients, the infection may be caused by the virus.
Because it’s rare, the idea that endophthalmitis is being seen in COVID patients leads researchers to believe the virus is triggering the eye infection. Patients have lost their sight and required surgical removal of eyes from this condition. Conjunctivitis, a relatively minor infection commonly called pink eye, has also been linked to COVID.
4. Hearing Loss
Some patients experience sudden hearing loss as a potential symptom of COVID. A case report in the British Medical Journal detailed patients who have tested positive for COVID and presented with a sudden hearing loss during their treatment or in the days immediately following.
If treated early, much of the hearing loss may be reversible. The potential reason behind the loss of hearing surrounds the cells in the ear. These cells are very similar to cells found in the lungs and bloodstream. Since COVID attacks these types of cells, scientists acknowledge that the cells in the ears may also be subject to attack from the COVID virus.
While these COVID issues may be frightening, it’s important to remember that they’re also very rare. Still, anyone who experiences these issues should talk to their doctor to determine if they have COVID and to seek prompt treatment for any symptoms they may be experiencing. Fast treatment could save sight, hearing, or even fingers or toes from loss due to COVID infection.
~Here’s to a Healthier Life!
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