Mercy Pulmonary Expert Dr. Kieran Brune Discusses How COVID-19 May Result in Lasting Lung Issues

The coronavirus takes a significant toll on the lungs, which makes feeling 100% back to normal a long process for those who have recovered from the virus.

While many people with mild forms of the coronavirus recover fully and have no complications in the lungs, Dr. Kieran Brune of The Lung Center at Mercy explains that those with a more serious case who wind up in the intensive care unit may have a very different experience.

"Their lungs can fill with an inflammatory liquid. The lungs can stiffen, so they need oxygen to get them through, and then afterwards, even as they recover, they may need supplemental oxygen or they may have some scarring in their lungs," Dr. Brune said.

According to Dr. Brune, the best thing for patients to do is keep themselves as healthy as possible and practice good hygiene. She said it's too soon to tell whether this will have a long-lasting effect on the lungs.

Board Certified in Pulmonary Disease and Internal Medicine, Dr. Brune specializes in common and complex lung conditions. She offers clinical proficiency in conditions and disorders such as asthma, COPD, and pulmonary hypertension. 

To view Dr. Brune’s interview regarding lung damage due to COVID-19, click here.