TreeENT medical experts remind the public not to overlook the risks of "Long COVID" in the post-pandemic era.
Recently, the China CDC released the Overview of National COVID-19 Diagnosis, Treatment and Surveillance Data, showing no significant rebound during the Spring Festival, indicating China's current wave of epidemics is nearing its end. However, "Long COVID" has again become a focus of public attention.
According to WHO's definition, Long COVID refers to symptoms that persist for 3 months after COVID-19 infection, lasting at least 2 months without other obvious causes. In short, Long COVID means symptoms still present more than 1 month after infection.
Notably, about 10%-20% of COVID-19 patients may experience medium- to long-term symptoms, sounding another alarm that the health threats from the pandemic are far from over.
hese symptoms are directly related to "Long COVID"
What symptoms may "Long COVID" present? Professor Shen Wei, Medical Director of TreeENT specializing in otorhinolaryngology, explains that current medical research indicates symptoms such as palpitations, hair loss, fatigue, chest pain, dyspnea, arthralgia, and obesity are directly associated with COVID-19 infection. Additionally, some infected individuals may experience delayed thinking and reaction times, mental fog, confusion, difficulty concentrating, impaired short-term memory, and reduced capacity to manage complex tasks - a cluster of symptoms clinically termed "brain fog."
Regarding "brain fog" symptoms, Professor Shen Wei has proposed corresponding management approaches: antiviral treatment with glycerophosphocholine (GPC) capsules may be administered. In daily life, individuals experiencing "brain fog" may also alleviate symptoms through muscle gain and fat reduction, increased protein intake, adequate sleep and rest, and sufficient water consumption. Depending on severity, "brain fog" typically gradually resolves within 1 month to 1 year post-recovery.
In addition to cognitive changes, studies indicate that approximately 10%-22% of COVID-19 patients experience smell and taste loss or impairment. This occurs because the olfactory epithelium contains numerous immune cells capable of triggering localized inflammatory responses, leading to persistent immune cell dysregulation and inflammation. Consequently, both olfactory sensory neurons and supporting cells in the olfactory epithelium become damaged.
To accelerate recovery of post-COVID smell and taste function, Professor Shen offers several evidence-based recommendations:
Olfactory training
Pharmacological interventions including:
Corticosteroids
Small-molecule immunomodulators (e.g., Xibik)
Neurotrophic agents
Intranasal steroids
TreeENT's Distinctive Advantages in Safeguarding Long COVID Patients' Health
Facing Long COVID, the public need neither excessive panic nor underestimation. Timely medical consultation and targeted treatment are crucial when symptoms emerge. As an ENT-specialized institution, TreeENT recommends comprehensive Long COVID management through: adequate rest, nutritional support, mental wellness, rehabilitation exercises, and gradual recovery. Specific approaches include:
For cough: Practice gentle nasal breathing, closed-mouth swallowing, and maintain air humidity
For headache: Take ibuprofen or paracetamol under professional guidance, avoid excessive alcohol, and maintain good sleep habits
Special Considerations for Pediatric Cases
In children and adolescents, thorough exclusion of other acute/chronic viral infections and stress-related somatic symptoms is essential before diagnosing Long COVID. While no specific pediatric treatments are currently established, symptom management per general guidelines is recommended. Persistent or severe cases warrant referral to pediatric specialists for multidisciplinary evaluation.
TreeENT's Tailored Solutions
Adhering to international standards with top-tier specialist teams, TreeENT has developed customized ENT protocols for post-COVID conditions. Our distinctive green treatment model emphasizes:
Physiotherapy as primary intervention
Enhanced rehabilitation expertise
Proactive chronic disease management shifting focus to prevention
Innovative Care Models
Beyond conventional approaches, TreeENT delivers:
Chronic Disease Management: Focusing on preventing upper respiratory chronic complications through preemptive strategies
Lifestyle Guidance: Detailed health coaching to modify adverse habits
Patient-Centered Services:
"3-1 Service Model": 1-minute specialist预约, 1-hour consultation, 1-day surgery discharge
Ongoing N-to-1 personalized care
This integrated approach ensures safe, efficient, and compassionate healthcare experiences while addressing Long COVID's multifaceted challenges.
Final Reminder from TreeENT Experts:
If you experience significant, recurrent, and persistent post-COVID sequelae, remain vigilant. In daily life, prioritize nutritional supplementation and immune resilience to effectively combat the long-term effects of the virus.
