The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19 infection in humans is thought to be primarily a respiratory virus. However, it is seen to affect many other organs besides the lungs. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has a spike protein that attaches itself to ACE-2 receptors in the human body. ACE-2 receptors are plentiful in the human body. They are primarily found in the lungs, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, liver, and the gastrointestinal tract. So it is very likely that apart from the lungs any other organ that has the ACE-2 receptors can be infected and damaged by the virus. Though the disease causes mild symptoms in most of the affected individuals, some go on to have long-term side effects from the illness - the 'long haulers.' From patients who have recovered from Covid we are learning of disease sequelae that go much beyond the lungs. The BMJ (British Medical Journal, April 2021) published a research paper with the following objective- "To evaluate the excess risk and relati...
During health human blood maintains an Oxygen saturation of about 94-99 %. This is also called SPO2 ( the amount of blood saturated with oxygen or also the percentage of Oxygenated hemoglobin in the blood). This level is measured by a simple device that is clipped on to your finger and which gives an accurate reading in a few seconds( a Pulse Oximeter - see picture above). Hemoglobin is the Oxygen Carrier in the blood and it helps transport Oxygen to various tissues all over the body for their functioning. Our breathing is controlled by a very complex mechanism called the Respiratory Drive - it has many components including the involvement of Neural and Peripheral Chemoreceptors. The Central Chemoreceptors in the brain are very sensitive to Carbon Dioxide (CO2) levels. Even a minor increase in CO2 levels brings about immediate changes in our breathing - a 5mmHg change in PaCo2 can double breathing rates in healthy persons. Build up of excessive CO2 normally...
Myringoplasty - Perforation of the ear drum can occur due to trauma or infection. Middle ear infection (Otitis Media) quite often leads to a perforated ear drum. A perforated ear drum causes hearing loss and is an open access for infections to travel to the middle ear from the external ear. Frequent colds, ingress of water in the ear are two of the commonest causes for discharge from the ear. Every time there is discharge from the ear the toxins released by the bacteria can enter the inner ear through permeable membranes and cause a sensorineural hearing loss which is a permanent kind of hearing loss. It is therefore advised that a persistent perforation of the ear drum must be repaired surgically – a procedure called Myringoplasty (Myringo-eardrum, Plasty- repair). Approaches for Myringoplasty Per Meatal – for very small perforations, wide ear canal, or if done Endoscopically Post Aural – the most common approach- from behind the ear – in the groove where the pinna is attached. Endaur...
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