We know COVID-19 can lead to a number of complications. Dr. Deborah Assayag was interviewed by CTV Montreal to speak about pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis is a rare disease of the lung that is characterized by inflammation or injury to the lung. This leads to a scarring process in the lung. There are many different causes, such as occupational exposures (e.g. asbestos), immune diseases, or simply the aging process of the lung. Symptoms include a persistent cough and shortness of breath. As the disease progresses, oxygen levels go down and patients need supportive therapies and may even require a transplant. In some patients who have had very severe COVID-19 infections with severe lung injury, they can develop scarring of the lung. While this risk is low, there have been patients, especially in the pre-vaccination era, who have had severe lung scarring following their severe COVID-19 infection.
Watch the interview here
Dr. Deborah Assayag raises awareness for pulmonary fibrosis. CTV News Montreal. October 29, 2022