Coronavirus not only affects the respiratory tract; as a multiorgan virus, Sars-CoV-2 infects other organs in the human body. This article will talk about eleven organs that could be affected by the Covid-19 virus.
Find out here the signs of a corona infection of the different organs and how a covid-19 disease affects the infected parts in the short and long term. Important: Affected individuals should seek urgent medical advice if they experience symptoms during and after a corona infection.
Table of Contents
Heart: inflammation caused by Sars-CoV-2
A corona infection can lead to acute damage to the heart, thromboses, or heart muscle inflammation. Cardiac problems are possible after even a mild course. Burning pain in the chest, breathlessness, dizziness, discomfort in the left arm and a strong, palpable heartbeat are signs that the heart may be affected.
Sars CoV-2 infects the kidneys
Coronavirus can infect the kidneys and cause tissue scarring (fibrosis). Kidney damage can also have a long-term negative effect on function. Symptoms include abnormal urine levels, renal values, and fluid retention.
Liver infected with coronavirus
The coronavirus also infects the liver. Among other things, an infection can lead to dysfunction of the metabolic organ. This is usually indicated by elevated liver enzymes when the liver is affected. Scientists are also considering late effects on the liver.
Sars CoV-2 infects the lungs
During a Covid-19 illness, the lungs and respiratory tract are particularly affected. The acute signs are severe coughing, breathlessness, and breathing problems. Severe cases may be followed by pneumonia and even acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Changes and inflammation of the lung tissue are possible after surviving corona infection. These deteriorate the gas exchange, manifesting in rales, severe irritable cough and shortness of breath.
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Sars-CoV-2 could infect the ear
Ear damage also becomes apparent with corona infection in the form of tinnitus, impaired hearing, and vertigo. Because of the lack of data, it is not yet well understood whether the symptoms are due to infection of the auditory organ or originate in the brain.
Found in the gastrointestinal tract
The coronavirus can also infect the gastrointestinal tract. Cells of the intestinal mucosa (enterocytes) in particular can be affected. Therefore, symptoms of corona infection may include diarrhea, stomach pain and nausea, and loss of appetite, all of which are also seen in long-covid.
Covid-19 infection of the skin
The largest organ in the body can also become infected with Sars-CoV-2. Cells of the epidermis and mucosa can be attacked. Infections of the skin are particularly noticeable in the form of rashes, blisters, redness, and dying skin tissue. Also blisters and reddening of the skin on the toes, called covid toes, indicate an infection.
Sars CoV-2 infects the pancreas
Coronavirus can infect the pancreas. Investigators found that Sars-CoV-2 infects the insulin-producing cells of affected individuals. Insulin is an important metabolic hormone that controls blood glucose levels. Diabetes (diabetes) may be a possible consequence if the pancreas is disturbed.
SARS-CoV-2 affects the eye
Coronavirus can also infect the retina of the eye. Scientists at the Max Planck Institute in Münster, Germany, have found that Sars-CoV-2 infects the retina and can also multiply on it. Frequent signs during or after a corona infection are:
- Conjunctivitis.
- Dry eyes.
- A sensation of foreign bodies.
- Red, itchy and painful eyes.
Coronavirus also in the brain
After mild corona infections, brain size can decrease by up to two percent. In particular, gray matter, part of the central nervous system and responsible for motor function in affected individuals, becomes reduced. Frequent signs are reduced attention, problems with concentration and memory complaints.
Omicron infects the olfactory organ
Irrespective of the severity of the infection, the smell may be impaired in corona infection. Investigators believe that Sars-CoV-2 damages the ends of the olfactory nerves (axons), rendering them unable to transmit the stimulus. The damaged nerves could result from a circulatory disorder of the mucous membranes.
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