At a time when many arguments and counter arguments are being reported in the country about timings of getting CT scan done, EBNW Story features this article which shall definitely be able to address your queries.
by Gurudutt Tyagi
COVID-19 and CT Scan: The must-know facts:
- New Covid variant causes more harm to lungs.
- There are lot of uncertainties on duration of damage the virus does. Some cases report of sudden lung damage.
- People with co-morbidities , obesity etc. are developing severity more early.
Experts like AIIMS Director recommends CT Scan of chest only if a patient develops breathlessness and his oxygen saturation starts decreasing. He suggests refraining from “panic investigations”. However, assurance is a big thing ! Everyone wants their loved ones be safe.
So, after making close observations, regular updates and reviewing various studies and expert opinions, the following conclusion can be made on practical ground for proceeding ahead for CT Scan of chest:
- As soon as you develop breathlessness or shortness of breath.
- If you’re in home isolation but your fever is rising repeatedly even after taking paracetamol or any other medicine for fever (most of the population is ignorant in this regard and hence they develop severity).
- If you’re obese, don’t take the risk and get your scan done as soon as you’re diagnosed positive to Covid. (There are many cases where obese people developed severity all of sudden).
- If you have any co-morbid condition like Heart, Kidney, Liver, Lung, Brain diseases and other metabolic disorders (Diabetes, Thyroid diseases,Dyslipidemia etc) .
CT Scan severity score is highly important to get the management accordingly and reducing the risk of morbidity and mortality.