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POST-COVID PNEUMONIA COMPLICATIONS IN CHILDREN
Chief Physician, Phthisiatrist:
Bahodir Khojakbarovich Gafforov
Tashkent Regional Center for Phthisiology and Pulmonology
Scientific Review: PhD, Senior Lecturer
Sherali Sherikbayevich Massavirov
Department of Phthisiology, Tashkent State Medical University
Sherzodganiyevich518@gmail.com
Abstract:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, pneumonia and its delayed complications in
children became an urgent issue in pediatric practice. Studies show that 20–30% of children
who have recovered from COVID-19 develop long-term pulmonary changes, while 10–15%
develop chronic broncho-obstructive syndrome. This article focuses on the clinical picture,
epidemiology, diagnostic methods, pediatric observations, treatment, and rehabilitation
measures for post-COVID pneumonia in children.
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than 300 million people worldwide, with
approximately 10% being children. Initially, it was assumed that the disease progressed
mildly in children; however, subsequent pediatric observations confirmed the frequent
occurrence of post-pneumonia pulmonary complications.
According to WHO (2023),
27–30%
of children with COVID-19 developed
pneumonia.
According to the 2023 report of the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan, the incidence
of pneumonia in children increased
1.8 times
during the pandemic.
Observations at the Tashkent Pediatric Medical Center showed that
14%
of children
who recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia continued to experience dyspnea, hypoxemia,
and cough for up to 3 months.
Main Part
1. Epidemiology and Pathogenesis
COVID-19 pneumonia in children is often associated with direct damage to alveolar tissue
by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the cytokine storm. The virus induces inflammation in the
pulmonary alveoli, and in some cases, secondary bacterial infections lead to a more severe
course.
2. Clinical Cases
Case 1.
8-year-old patient M.: Two weeks after recovering from COVID-19, the
child presented with dyspnea and nocturnal cough. CT scans revealed fibrotic changes in the
lower lung lobes. After two months of respiratory exercises and physiotherapy, lung
capacity was restored.
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Case 2.
4-year-old patient A.: Developed broncho-obstructive syndrome after post-
COVID pneumonia. Recurrent cough and bronchial hypersensitivity persisted for 6 months.
Inhaled steroids and immunomodulators reduced the symptoms.
Case 3.
12-year-old patient S.: For 3 months after the illness, experienced rapid
fatigue during physical activity and signs of hypoxemia. Spirometry showed a 20% decrease
in lung volume. A specialized rehabilitation program resulted in recovery within 4 months.
3. Statistical Table: Post-COVID Pneumonia Complications
Type of complication
Incidence (%) Source
Chronic bronchitis, prolonged cough 12–18%
WHO, 2023
Pulmonary fibrotic changes
8–12%
Nelson Pediatrics
Hypoxemia, oxygen deficiency
6–8%
Uzbekistan MoH, 2023
Immune suppression, frequent ARVI 18–22%
Uzbek Pediatrics Journal
Reduced lung volume (spirometry) 10–15%
Tashkent Pediatric Research, 2023
4. Diagnostics
Radiological methods:
CT and chest X-ray are the most reliable methods to detect
fibrotic changes.
Functional studies:
Spirometry and pulse oximetry assess lung capacity and oxygen
exchange.
Laboratory tests:
CRP, ferritin, D-dimer, and complete blood count are used to
evaluate disease activity.
5. Treatment and Rehabilitation
Antibacterial/antiviral therapy:
Used only in cases of secondary infection.
Physiotherapy:
Breathing exercises, inhalation therapy, bronchial drainage.
Immune support:
Vitamin complexes, immunomodulators.
Long-term follow-up:
Children recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia should
remain under pediatric supervision for at least 6–12 months.
Conclusion
Post-COVID pneumonia in children is frequently accompanied by delayed complications
such as fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, hypoxemia, and immune suppression. Timely diagnosis
and rehabilitation are crucial for restoring pulmonary function. Pediatricians must focus not
only on acute treatment but also on comprehensive long-term follow-up.
References
1.
WHO.
Post-COVID Pediatric Respiratory Complications
. Geneva, 2023.
2.
Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan.
Statistical Report on Pediatric COVID-19
Pneumonia
. Tashkent, 2023.
3.
Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st edition.
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4.
Ashurova D.M., Akbarova M.S.
Pneumonia Diagnostics in Children
. Tashkent,
2023.
5.
Uzbek Pediatrics Journal, “Post-COVID Pulmonary Complications”, №4, 2023.
6.
Tashkent Pediatric Research Institute.
Children Post-COVID Pulmonary Outcomes
.
2023.
