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Long Covid Syndrom - was ist das genau und was kann man tun?

Long Covid Syndrome - what exactly is that and what can you do?

Long Covid, also known as Post-Covid syndrome, is a state that occurs in some people after an infection with the Sars-Cov-2 virus. While many people recover from Covid-19 within a few weeks, other persistent symptoms experience that remain weeks or even months after the original illness. These symptoms can be very different and range from fatigue, Breathing difficulties and Joint pain To cognitive impairments such as difficulty concentration or the so -called "Brain Fog". Long Covid can affect people of all ages, regardless of the severity of the original Covid 19 disease. The exact causes of Long Covid are not yet fully understood, and research in this area is still active. Scientists and doctors try to develop effective treatment approaches and to better understand the effects of Long Covid on the individual and social health system.

What is Long Covid?

Long Covid, also known as Post-Covid syndrome, refers to a variety of symptoms that can occur weeks or months after a SARS-COV-2 infection. Belonging to the most common symptoms fatigue, Shortness of breath, difficulties of concentration, Joint and muscle pain as well as Sleep disorders. These symptoms can significantly affect the quality of life of those affected.

There are different subtypes of Long Covid, including neurological, cardiopulmonary and psychosocial manifestations. Every subtype can have different effects on daily life, which means that those affected often face challenges in their personal, social and professional environment.

Long Covid's forecast varies greatly. In many people without organ damage, the symptoms resonate over time. However, there are also cases in which the symptoms persist and lengthy rehabilitation is required. Overall, the understanding of Long Covid is still under construction, and further research is required to better grasp the exact mechanisms and chances of recovery.

Historical context of post -viral syndromes

The historical context of post -viral syndromes goes back to the period of earlier virus infections. As early as the 1918s, post viral symptoms such as fatigue and weakness observed. In the following decades, similar phenomena were documented in infections with Epstein-Barr virus and the Dengue virus. Despite their frequency, these post -viral symptoms, often described as fatigue, have long been dismissed as psychosomatic.

However, the scientific examination of Long Covid, the persistent symptoms after a corona infection, has led to a paradigm shift. Current medical research has made it clear that many patients, regardless of the severity of the original illness, can suffer from persistent symptoms. The findings of Long Covid expand our understanding of previous post -viral syndromes by addressing their frequency and severity with a new urgency. It becomes clear that the long -term consequences of virus infections, both emotionally and physically, represent a serious medical problem that urgently requires further research.

Symptoms of Long Covid

Long Covid, also known as Post-Covid syndrome, refers to a variety of symptoms that can occur in people who have recovered from a Covid 19 infection. Even if many people fully recover after their acute illness, others report on persistent complaints that can last for weeks or even months. These symptoms can significantly affect the quality of life of those affected and are often versatile and non -specific.

In the following sections we will deal with the most common symptoms of Long Covid fatigue and breathing difficulties ranging to neurological problems to psychological stress. Understanding these symptoms is crucial to offer the people concerned the necessary support and treatment.

Most common symptoms experienced

Long Covid affects many people and shows up in a variety of symptoms that can significantly impair the quality of life. One of the most common symptoms experienced:

1. **fatigue**: Chronic exhaustion is one of the most common symptoms. Affected people feel even according to sufficient Sleep Exhausted what makes everyday tasks a challenge.

2. ** concentration disorders **: Many suffer from "brain fog", which makes thinking, problem solving and remembering. This has a major impact on professional performance and can lead to frustration.

3. ** Breathing difficulties **: Shortness of breath or a feeling of tightness in the chest complicely difficult physical activities and can even make simple activities such as climbing stairs.

4. ** Post-Exertual Malaise (PEM) **: After physical or mental exertion, there are often increased symptoms that lead to relapses. This not only limits leisure activities, but also the return to professional life.

These symptoms represent a significant burden in the social and professional context, since they severely restrict everyday life and interactions with others. The quality of life of those affected is noticeable.

Less common symptoms and variations

Long Covid is not only evident through the known symptoms such as fatigue and post-exertional malaise (PEM), but also by a variety of less frequent symptoms, which are different in different people affected. This includes neurological symptoms such as concentration disorders or memory problems, often referred to as "Brain Fog". Sensory changes, such as a loss of the sense of taste or smell, can also occur, often in combination with a constant feeling of Unrest or fear.

In addition, some affected people report cardiac arrhythmias, breathing difficulties or gastrointestinal problems. These symptoms can occur in different combinations, which makes the experiences of the sick vary greatly. It is important to emphasize that not all Long Covid patients experience the same symptoms; The effects on daily life are just as individual. The variety of symptoms therefore requires a holistic understanding and adapted treatment for everyone affected.

Mechanisms behind Long Covid

Long Covid denotes the long-term health consequences that can occur after a Covid 19 infection. The most common symptoms include fatigue, breathing difficulties and disorders of mental performance. These symptoms can be caused by several mechanisms.

Fatigue is often caused by an excessive immune reaction or an inflammatory reaction that also affects the body's energy balance. Breathing difficulties can be due to damage to the lung tissue or ongoing inflammation. In addition, disorders of mental performance, also known as the "brain fog", can be used by a combination of neurobiological changes and psychological stress such as Fear or depression arise.

Risk factors such as gender and the severity of the original COVID-19 disease play a role: women often report more long-term consequences, while more difficult courses correlate with higher risks for long-term difficulties.

The symptoms of Long Covid are diverse and can vary individually, which makes diagnosis and treatment difficult. Understanding of this complexity is crucial for the development of effective therapies.

The role of the immune system

The immune system plays a central role in the body, especially in defense against pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and mushrooms. It protects the organism by recognizing and neutralizing these intruders. One of the main functions of the immune system is to maintain homeostasis by regulating the balance between different cell types and functions.

The most important cell types in the immune system include T cells, B cells, macrophages and dendritic cells. T cells are crucial for the cellular immune response, while B cells produce antibodies that target the pathogens. Macrophages are responsible for the phagocytosis of pathogenic and act as the "cleaner" of the body.

Immune monitoring is another important mechanism that ensures that abnormal cells such as tumor cells are recognized and eliminated early. This complex interaction of cell types and mechanisms ensures that the immune system reacts efficiently and flexibly to various threats and thus decisively contributes to the health of the organism.

Dysregulation of the autonomous nervous system

The dysregulation of the autonomous nervous system (Ans) plays a central role in Long Covid. The ANS consists of the sympathicus, which is responsible for the "fighting or flight" reaction, and the parasympathicus, which ensures relaxation and regeneration. In the case of dysregulation, the balance between these systems can be disturbed, often by stress and emotional stress.

This dysregulation can lead to a variety of symptoms, including chronic exhaustion, Sleep disorders, Rapid heartbeat and concentration disorders. The constant activation of the sympathicus due to stress can keep the body in a state of alert, while the parasympathicus cannot contribute sufficiently to rest and relaxation.

Methods such as breathing exercises, meditation and physical relaxation techniques can be used to promote the regulation. In addition, regular exercise and social support are crucial to restore the inner balance. Through targeted interventions, the function of the autonomous nervous system can be improved and the quality of life of Long Covid affected can be increased.

What are common symptoms in Long Covid?

Long Covid denotes a state that can occur after a Covid 19 infection and is characterized by a variety of symptoms. Belonging to the most common symptoms fatigue, Exhaustion, concentration disorders and the post-exertional malaise (PEM).

fatigue And exhaustion are particularly stressful for many affected people and can occur even with minimal physical or mental exertion. Concentration disorders, often referred to as "brain fog", make everyday life difficult and professional performance.

The post-exertional Malaise (PEM) is another characteristic symptom of Long Covid. Those affected experience a deterioration of their symptoms of physical or mental effort, which is a vicious circle fatigue and a drop in performance leads.

Studies show that many patients experience a significant limitation of their quality of life up to six months after the infection. These symptoms not only affect physical well -being, but also social and professional activities, which significantly reduces the quality of life of those affected.

How often is Long Covid?

Long Covid occurs in a significant part of the people who have gone through a Covid 19 infection. It is estimated that around 10-30 % of the recovered people suffer from long-term consequences. The frequency and incidence of Long Covid can be influenced by various factors. It is particularly striking that people with a heavy covid-19 course and who were treated in the hospital have a higher risk of developing Long Covid.

The symptoms that result from Long Covid are diverse and can, among other things, breathing difficulties, fatigue and include neurological problems. However, there are observations that many of these symptoms decrease over time, which indicates that the course of the disease varies individually.

The severity and duration of Long Covid vary significantly between those affected. While some people only have complaints for a few weeks, others can suffer from persistent symptoms for months. It is therefore important to take the clinical picture Long Covid seriously and to seek professional help if there are signs of long -term consequences.

Can children and adolescents also develop Long Covid?

Long Covid can affect not only adults, but also children and adolescents, although this is less common. The disease often shows itself with symptoms similar to adults, including fatigue, Weakness in concentration and breathing problems. Older children and girls in particular tend to suffer from Long Covid more often.

While most children experience covid-19 mild or asymptomatic, some can still develop long-term health problems. These symptoms can significantly impair the quality of life and influence daily performance.

It is important to think of Long Covid with persistent complaints after a Covid 19 disease and, if necessary, see a doctor. Early diagnosis and support can help improve the quality of life of the affected children and adolescents. Long Covid should be taken seriously, even among the younger population.

Where does research on Long Covid stand?

Research on Long Covid has made considerable progress in recent years. Long Covid describes persistent symptoms after a Covid 19 infection that can last for weeks or months. The mechanisms that lead to these symptoms include immunological reactions, inflammation, autoimmune reactions and possible virus personality in organs. The most common symptoms are fatigue, breathing problems, memory disorders and Sleep disorders.

Treatment options are still in the research stage, but approaches include symptomatic therapies, physiotherapy and psychological support. Forecasts vary greatly; Some of those affected relax completely, while other long -term restrictions experience.

The individual symptoms and the course of Long Covid are very different, which increases research complexity. Differences in age, gender, previous illnesses and psychosocial factors can play a role. Therefore, personalized therapy concepts and multifactorial research approaches are becoming increasingly important in order to better understand the complex aspects of long covid and develop targeted treatments.

How can you prevent Long Covid?

Long Covid, also known as Post-Covid syndrome, denotes a number of symptoms that can occur weeks or months after a Covid 19 infection. Many people who are considered recovered continue to suffer from persistent symptoms such as fatigue, Shortness of breath, concentration disorders and Muscle pain. The exact causes of Long Covid are not yet fully understood, which makes prevention and treatment a challenge. Nevertheless, there are some approaches to minimize the risk of long -term illness. Early detection and effective measures during the acute phase of the infection, but also lifestyle changes and a healthy lifestyle can help to reduce the likelihood of developing Long Covid. In the following sections we will examine various strategies for the prevention of Long Covid.

Long Covid-Post-Covid syndrome

Long Covid, also known as Post-Covid syndrome, often describes a number of symptoms that occur after a Covid 19 infection. While the acute symptoms of Covid-19 usually subside within two to four weeks, Long Covid symptoms can last months or even years. Affected patient groups include both people with a difficult and mild course of the original illness.

The most common symptoms are fatigue, Breathing difficulties, concentration disorders ("brain fog"), Sleep disorders as well as Muscle and joint pain. These symptoms can significantly impair the quality of life because they can severely restrict everyday activities and professional performance.

The variability of the symptoms is great; Not every affected person suffers from the same symptoms. Risk factors such as age, gender and previous illnesses can also play a role in developing Long Covid. Despite intensive scientific research, Long Covid remains an important medical problem that requires further attention.

Further names

Various terms are used in connection with the long-term consequences of a SARS-COV-2 infection. This includes:

1. ** Post-Covid **: This term describes the symptoms that occur after acute covid 19 infection.

2. ** Chronic Covid syndrome (CCS) **: This is often used synonymously with post-covid and refers to persistent symptoms for months.

3. ** PASC (Post-Acute Sequelae of Sars-Cov-2 Infection) **: This technical term describes the long-term consequences of a SARS-COV-2 infection, regardless of the severity of the initial disease.

4. ** COVID-19 Long-Hauler **: This informal expression is used to describe people who suffer from COVID-19 symptoms for a long time.

5. ** ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) **: This disease can occur after a covid-19 infection and is related to persistent fatigue and other symptoms.

The terms have differences, but describe similar phenomena that are increasingly gaining relevance in medicine. A better understanding of these terms is crucial in order to meet the needs of affected persons.

What is the forecast of Long Covid?

Long Covid's forecast is positive overall, especially if there is no accompanying organ damage. In most affected people, about half of the symptoms disappear after four months and even three quarters of the symptoms after 15 months. The most common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath and concentration disorders, which, however, often get better over time.

It is important to note that the course of Long Covid is very different. In the case of heavier Covid 19 processes, the symptoms can last longer and have a variety of different symptoms. While some people quickly experience an improvement, others report on persistent symptoms that subside.

Overall, research shows that most people with Long Covid have a good prognostic view without significant organ damage. Targeted aftercare and individual treatment approaches can help support the healing process and to improve the quality of life of those affected.

Can children also have long covid?

Yes, children can also have Long Covid. The symptoms often resemble those of adults and include fatigue, Headache and weakness in concentration. Research results show that Long Covid is less common among younger children. However, older children, especially girls, seem to be affected more often.

It is important to take the effects of Long Covid seriously in children, as many of them can experience difficulty in everyday life. Parents and caregivers should react carefully to the symptoms and obtain medical advice in the event of abnormalities.

If Long Covid is suspected after a Covid 19 disease, an organic cause should be excluded to ensure that the symptoms do not come from another disease. Early diagnosis can help to offer the best possible support and help the affected children to recover.

How is the diagnosis of Long Covid made?

The diagnosis of Long Covid is usually made by the family doctor. The process begins with a detailed medical history in which the doctor captures the symptoms and the patient's disease history. Patients often report persistent symptoms such as fatigue, Shortness of breath, concentration disorders and psychological complaints.

After the medical history, a thorough physical examination follows to rule out organic causes. If this is necessary, further examinations such as blood tests or imaging procedures can be arranged. Cooperation with specialists is often necessary to better assess specific symptoms and, if necessary, to make further diagnoses.

An important aspect of diagnosis is to take into account the psychological constitution. Anxiety and Depression can increase the symptoms of Long Covid and should therefore also flow into the diagnosis. Overall, an interdisciplinary approach is required in order to adequately record the complexity of Long Covid and to develop corresponding treatment strategies.

How is the treatment of Long Covid?

Long Covid is a complex and still relatively new phenomenon that can occur in many people after a Covid 19 infection. Affected people often suffer from a variety of long -lasting symptoms that can significantly affect their quality of life. This includes fatigue, Breathing difficulties, concentration disorders and other physical and psychological complaints. Treatment of Long Covid is a major challenge for the medical community, since there are still no uniform therapy approaches and the symptoms vary from person to person. Early diagnosis and individualized therapy concepts are crucial for improving the patient's health. In the following sections, the common treatment approaches and alternative methods are explained that help doctors and patients better overcome the effects of Long Covid.

Symptomatic therapy

Symptomatic therapy for long-covid aims to relieve the diverse symptoms, since causal treatment is often not possible. Pacing is one of the most important approaches, which means to control the activity level in such a way that overload and exhaustion are avoided. Those affected learn to better distribute their activities and not go beyond their limits.

Another important method is activation therapy, which includes gentle forms of movement in order to gradually improve physical fitness and increase the quality of life. These therapies often require close cooperation with general practitioners who support patients and adapt individual therapy plans.

In addition, self -management plays a crucial role, since it enables those affected to monitor their symptoms independently and to make adjustments in everyday life. Medicines for the treatment of long-covid are currently not generally recommended due to an inadequate study situation. Instead, the focus is on holistic and adaptable support.

rehabilitation

Long Covid is a significant challenge for many of those affected, which often requires individual rehabilitation. The planning process of the measures varies depending on the severity of the disease. In the case of slight symptoms, simple breathing exercises and light movement programs in physiotherapy could suffice, while more severe cases need more comprehensive care.

Various health professions play a central role in rehabilitation. Physiotherapy helps to improve physical skills and increase perseverance while occupational therapy supports patients to regain everyday skills. Psychological support can help to manage the mental challenges that are often associated with Long Covid.

The improvement of limited body functions is crucial to increase the quality of life of those affected. In addition, the promotion of social and professional participation is essential. Only through holistic rehabilitation that responds to individual needs can patients actively participate in social life and improve their health sustainably.

Source: iStockphoto Andreypopov

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