Chronic pain in post-COVID syndrome.

Our body senses two types of pain, acute and chronic. Acute pain lasts for a short time. It occurs when our body wants to protect us from a dangerous situation. This way, our nerves are telling us that something is wrong. But if some time passes since our injury, treatment or surgery and the pain or discomfort persists, we are speaking of chronic pain. It is often difficult to determine its intensity or even prove its existence. The discomfort and pain are not relieved and physical pain may be accompanied by mental issues. At present, during the COVID-19 pandemic, chronic pain is becoming more prominent, and it is also associated with the post-COVID syndrome. In their efforts to help patients suffering from COVID-19, many new treatment protocols have been prepared and various antiviral drugs and other potentially useful drugs have been used (often without prior approval or testing). Basically, it was a kind of 'experimental' treatment. At present, thanks to quick therapy decisions and as part of COVID-19 prevention, we have succeeded in stabilising the situation all over the world. A relatively fast development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 with a view to achieve collective immunity has greatly contributed to this. On the other hand, 'quick decisions' have contributed to other significant issues which we are beginning to deal with now, i.e, in the effort to defeat the virus, many experts regarded the adverse effects of the medications used to be of secondary importance. In the article we would like to point out the other side of the 'successful' treatment of COVID-19, namely the possible iatrogenic conditions which significantly contribute to the post-COVID­19 syndrome and chronic pain. The importance of preventive measures over uncertain result of COVID-19 treatment is emphasised (Tab. 4, Fig. 1, Ref. 50). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: iatrogenic conditions; chronic pain; co-morbidity; pain syndrome; pandemic; post-COVID­19 syndrome.

Pain in COVID-19: Quis est culpa?

Background: At present, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, chronic pain is becoming more prominent, and it is also associated with the post-COVID-19 syndrome. Thanks to quick decisions on the therapy and as part of COVID-19 prevention, we have succeeded in stabilising the situation all over the world. On the other hand, ‘quick decisions' have contributed to other significant issues which we are beginning to deal with now: in the effort to defeat the virus, many experts regarded the adverse effects of the medications used to be of secondary importance. Purpose: The article aims to demonstrate the side effects of treatment with various drugs (and their combinations) that are used to treat COVID-19 disease. Method: From the beginning of January until mid-May, the COVID-19 department of the 2nd Surgical Clinic of the Faculty of Medicine of the Comenius University in Bratislava (University Hospital Bratislava, Hospital of Saints Cyril and Methodius) treated 221 patients with moderate and severe course of COVID-19 (2nd wave of the pandemic). We saw some adverse effects and lack of effect of certain drugs for COVID-19. Results: The benefits of preventive measures compared to treatment are enormous. For example, corticoids can impair metabolism, cause diabetes, or suppress immunity. Antibiotics may cause colitis and blood pressure medications may negatively impact blood circulation. Conclusion: Preventive measures such as vaccination and activation of intrinsic antiviral immune systems are based on an incomparable benefit. Important in the process of the activation of antiviral immunity (linked to interferon synthesis) in the prevention of COVID-19 is the improvement of vitamin D deficit and the use of other micronutrients. Practical value: The results of the study will be valuable in the field of medicine, for virologists, pharmacologists, pharmacists, and medical professionals.