Logo Medical Science Monitor

Call: +1.631.470.9640
Mon - Fri 10:00 am - 02:00 pm EST

Contact Us

Logo Medical Science Monitor Logo Medical Science Monitor Logo Medical Science Monitor

18 September 2024 : Review article  

Long COVID or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC) and the Urgent Need to Identify Diagnostic Biomarkers and Risk Factors

Dinah V. Parums1CDEF*

DOI: 10.12659/MSM.946512

Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e946512

Table 2 Current symptomatic treatment approaches for long COVID, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) [1,2].

SymptomClinical featuresInvestigationsManagement
Fatigue and post-exertional malaiseFatigue that is not relieved by rest and is worse following stress or physical activityHistory and examination with investigations to exclude treatable causes such as hypothyroidism, iron, B12, and folate deficiency, underlying malignancy, or ongoing chronic infectionsMultidisciplinary and individualized 0holistic) symptomatic treatment, including using a diary to record symptom ‘triggers’ with rehabilitation and occupational therapy, if required
Chest pain and altered breathing patterns (‘COVID squeeze’)Positional pain and pain on exertion with intermittent chest tightnessHistory and examination with investigations to exclude treatable causes, including ischemic heart disease, pericarditis, or pulmonary embolismMultidisciplinary and individualized 0holistic) symptomatic treatment, including using a diary to record symptom ‘triggers’
Exertional breathlessnessShortness of breath associated with even mild physical activityHistory and examination with investigations to exclude treatable causes, with lung function tests and lung imagingMultidisciplinary and individualized 0holistic) symptomatic treatment, including using a diary to record symptom ‘triggers’
Palpitations and dizziness (‘COVID-induced autonomic dysfunction’)Symptoms associated with upright posture (orthostatic intolerance)History and examination with investigations to exclude treatable causes, including blood pressure measurements and 24-hour ECG monitoringMultidisciplinary and individualized 0holistic) symptomatic treatment, including using a diary to record symptom ‘triggers’
Upper respiratory tract symptomsPersistent sore throat, voice changes, and chokingHistory and examination with investigations to exclude treatable causes, including symptoms from gastroesophageal reflux disease and vocal cord pathologyMultidisciplinary and individualized 0holistic) symptomatic treatment, including using a diary to record symptom ‘triggers’

Your Privacy

We use cookies to ensure the functionality of our website, to personalize content and advertising, to provide social media features, and to analyze our traffic. If you allow us to do so, we also inform our social media, advertising and analysis partners about your use of our website, You can decise for yourself which categories you you want to deny or allow. Please note that based on your settings not all functionalities of the site are available. View our privacy policy.

Medical Science Monitor eISSN: 1643-3750
Medical Science Monitor eISSN: 1643-3750