Study Finds That Nearly Everyone Exposed to COVID-19 Developed Persistent Lung Impairment!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 16, 2026 1 hour, 56 minutes ago
Medical News: A New Wave of Post-Virus Illness
In what experts are calling a “silent second pandemic,” new research from Romania reveals that almost all individuals infected with COVID-19 continue to struggle with lingering lung problems months—even years—after recovering from the initial illness. Many are not even be aware that they are suffering from pulmonary impairments!
New research reveals lasting lung damage in most people infected with COVID-19, even long after recovery
This alarming discovery shows that irrespective of whether patients had mild or moderate COVID-19, many show measurable lung impairment long after the virus has left the body, adding weight to fears that Long COVID is reshaping healthcare demands.
Thousands Living with “Invisible” Breathlessness
The study followed 97 adults confirmed with post-COVID-19 syndrome, meaning they still had symptoms at least three months after infection. Researchers tracked breathlessness, coughing, exhaustion and the ability of the lungs to move oxygen into the bloodstream. Even up to 22 months after infection, many patients—especially those who had moderate disease—showed abnormal test results.
Small and large lung capacities were assessed through standardized lung function testing. While oxygen saturation readings often appeared normal, deeper tests revealed the lungs were struggling.
Lung Function Falls—Then Recovers Slowly
A clear pattern emerged:
-Lung volume (FVC) drops for months after infection
-Recovery happens slowly and unevenly over 9–18 months
-But the lungs rarely return fully to normal
Individuals who had moderate COVID-19 fared much worse. Their breathing capacity (FVC), airflow strength (FEV1) and gas exchange ability (DLCO and KCO) were all markedly lower than in those with mild infections.
Most importantly, gas transfer—the lung’s ability to push oxygen into the bloodstream—remained impaired in many patients past the one-year mark. This suggests long-lasting injury deep in the lung tissue.
The “Damage Signature” Left Behind
Advanced statistical analysis confirmed three types of lung damage shaping the lives of COVID-19 survivors:
-Obstructive issues affecting small airways
-Restrictive lung loss, reducing total breathing capacity
-Diffusion impairment, limiting oxygen entry into blood
These were found both early after infection and more than a year later, meaning millions worldwide could unknowingly have altered lung structure from the virus.
This
Medical News report underscores that the effects extend beyond breathlessness. Many participants reported exhaustion, difficu
lty exercising and coughing—symptoms doctors warn are easy to dismiss.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Certain groups were hit hardest:
-Adults over 50
-People with hypertension, diabetes or obesity
-Anyone who experienced moderate or severe COVID-19
Even patients with no known lung disease before infection suffered measurable impairment.
A Clear Warning for the Future
The researchers say their findings signal a long-term challenge. COVID-19 doesn’t simply disappear when the fever breaks—it leaves behind a legacy of injury. They caution that hospitals should brace for increased lung disease, rehabilitation needs and chronic respiratory care.
Conclusion
Taken together, the study paints a sobering picture: recovery from COVID-19 is much slower and more incomplete than originally believed. Even people who appeared to recover well may continue living with hidden lung damage, reduced oxygen exchange and weakened breathing capacity. The findings demonstrate the need for long-term follow-up, targeted rehabilitation, and greater investment in managing Long COVID, as millions may require support years after infection.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed Journal of Clinical Medicine.
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/15/2/717
For the latest COVID-19 news, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/coronavirus
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/long-covid
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