The Difference Between Pulmonary and Extra-Pulmonary Symptoms of COVID-19
It's no secret that the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has caused an unprecedented pandemic. One of the most alarming aspects of this virus is how it can cause respiratory illnesses—such as pneumonia and bronchitis—as well as extra-pulmonary (i.e., outside the lungs) symptoms. In this blog post, we'll look at the differences between pulmonary and extra-pulmonary symptoms of COVID-19 and why these distinctions are important. What Are Pulmonary Symptoms? Pulmonary symptoms refer to those that affect the respiratory system, such as fever, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breath. These symptoms have been commonly associated with COVID-19 due to the virus’s ability to attack cells in the lungs; however, not all patients experience these more common pulmonary symptoms. What are Extra-Pulmonary Symptoms? Extra-pulmonary symptoms refer to those that occur outside of the lungs or respiratory system. These could include headaches, dizziness, loss o...