Navigating Long COVID: Tracking, Monitoring, and Specialist Discussions

Long COVID is a syndrome — meaning that it comprises different symptoms that occur at the same time — and no two patients present with the condition in the same way. People’s symptoms can also change the longer they live with long COVID or based on their day-to-day activities. Because of this, doctors are having a hard time spotting the condition and offering successful treatments to patients.

However, management is possible. All patients need is a multi-disciplinary approach to their care that addresses their specific symptoms. Because of the nuances of this condition, patients must keep track of their symptoms on their own, and advocate for themselves. Sometimes, they even have to act as a mediator between all the different doctors and specialists that must collaborate to design their best plan of care.

Monitoring & Tracking Long COVID

Staying up to date on your doctor visits is step one of ensuring that you are successfully monitoring your condition. These check-ups usually include physical examinations, tests, and open discussions about symptoms and medication effectiveness. 

Below is a brief snapshot of how people suffering from heart disease often track, test severity, and monitor their overall health.

Symptom Tracking: Keeping a journal or using mobile apps, like Akeso, to track symptoms on a daily or regular basis can help individuals monitor symptom patterns, severity, and any changes over time. Note down symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive issues, pain, gastrointestinal problems, and others.

Medical Consultations: Regular visits with your healthcare providers, such as primary care physicians or specialists (e.g., pulmonologists, neurologists, cardiologists), are crucial. During these appointments, you can ask questions, discuss your symptoms, concerns, and any changes in health status. Healthcare providers can also perform physical exams, evaluate symptoms, and recommend appropriate tests or treatments.

Diagnostic Tests and Assessments: Your healthcare providers may conduct various tests to assess different aspects of health affected by long COVID. These tests might include:

• Blood Tests: To check for markers of inflammation, immune response, and potential organ damage.
• Imaging Studies: To assess lung function and identify any abnormalities. (e.g. chest X-rays, CT scans, etc.)
• Pulmonary Function Tests: To measure lung capacity and evaluate breathing difficulties.
• Neurological Assessments: To assess cognitive function, nerve function, and detect any neurological issues.
• Cardiac Tests: To evaluate heart function and assess any cardiovascular complications. (e.g. EKG, echocardiogram, etc.)
• Functional Assessments: Assessments focusing on daily functioning and quality of life, such as the ability to perform routine activities, work, and engage in social interactions, can provide valuable information about the impact of long COVID on a person’s life.

Standardized Questionnaires and Surveys: Some healthcare providers use standardized questionnaires and surveys designed to assess specific aspects of health related to long COVID, such as fatigue, mental health, cognitive function, and quality of life.

Remote Monitoring Technology: Wearable devices and remote monitoring technology can track metrics like heart rate, oxygen levels, sleep patterns, and activity levels, providing additional data for healthcare providers to assess a patient’s health remotely.

Collaboration with a Multidisciplinary Team: Given the complexity of long COVID, healthcare providers may work together as a multidisciplinary team, involving various specialists, therapists, and counselors to comprehensively evaluate and manage the condition (see next section for more).

Guiding Questions for Informed Discussions with Long COVID Specialists

When dealing with long COVID, it’s important for patients to know and understand how to successfully navigate their condition. Below you’ll find the types of specialists that long COVID patients visit.

Included with each specialist are topics and questions that can serve as a starting point for patients to have meaningful discussions with their specialist, and ensure a better understanding of their condition, treatment options, and lifestyle modifications.

Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) can serve as a central point of contact and initial assessment for individuals with long COVID. They can provide general medical care, coordinate referrals to specialists, and oversee overall health management.

• Topic: Overall Health Assessment  
  • What are the potential long-term effects of COVID-19 on my health?
  • Can you help me understand the general impact of long COVID on my overall well-being?

• Topic: Symptom Management

• • How can I effectively manage my ongoing symptoms from long COVID?
  • Are there specific treatments or therapies that could help alleviate my symptoms?

 

• Topic: Coordination of Care

• • Can you assist in coordinating referrals to specialists who can address my specific symptoms?
  • What steps can we take to ensure a comprehensive approach to managing my long COVID symptoms?

 

Pulmonologists can help individuals experiencing persistent respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath or lung issues post-COVID, pulmonologists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the lungs.

• Topic: Respiratory Symptoms
• • How can I improve my lung function and manage shortness of breath?
  • Are there specific tests or treatments that can address my persistent cough or breathing issues?

 

• Topic: Lung Function

• • • What strategies can I adopt to enhance my respiratory health post-COVID?
    • Are there exercises or therapies to improve my lung capacity?

• Topic: Breathing Difficulties

• • Can you provide guidance on managing my ongoing breathing difficulties?
  • What interventions can help alleviate my respiratory symptoms from long COVID?

 

Cardiologists can evaluate and manage any cardiovascular complications or symptoms experienced by individuals with long COVID, such as chest pain, palpitations, or abnormal heart rhythms.

• Topic: Heart Health
• • How can I manage chest pain or palpitations that persist after recovering from COVID-19?
  • Are there lifestyle changes that could benefit my heart health post-COVID?
  • Are my symptoms related to heart complications from COVID-19?
  • Can you provide guidance on managing chest pain or irregular heartbeat?

 

• Topic: Cardiovascular Symptoms

• • What tests are needed to assess my heart’s condition post-COVID-19?
  • Are there treatments available to address cardiovascular issues arising from long COVID?

 

Neurologists can assess neurological symptoms, cognitive issues, headaches, dizziness, and other neurological complications that may arise from long COVID.

• Topic: Cognitive Issues

• • Are my headaches or dizziness related to long COVID, and what treatments are available?
  • Can you provide guidance on managing neurological symptoms after COVID-19 recovery?
  • Are there specific exercises or techniques that might help improve my cognitive function?

• Topic: Headaches and Dizziness

• • Are my headaches or dizziness related to long COVID, and what treatments are available?
  • Can you provide guidance on managing neurological symptoms after COVID-19 recovery?

 

Physical Therapists (PTs) can design personalized exercise programs to address muscle weakness, fatigue, mobility issues, and help in regaining strength and endurance.

• Topic: Muscle Weakness

• • • Can you create an exercise plan to help improve my muscle strength and endurance?
    • What exercises should I focus on to address specific muscle weakness?

• Topic: Fatigue Management

• • • How can I manage fatigue while working on physical recovery?
    • Are there pacing strategies to help prevent fatigue during daily activities?

• Topic: Mobility Challenges

• • What strategies can I use to improve my mobility and range of motion?
  • Can you suggest safe exercises to enhance my mobility without worsening symptoms?

 

Occupational Therapists (OTs) focus on improving daily living skills, managing fatigue, and developing strategies to facilitate engagement in daily activities despite limitations caused by long COVID.

• Topic: Daily Living Skills

• • • How can I adapt my daily routine to accommodate limitations caused by long COVID?
    • Are there specific tools or techniques to make daily activities more manageable?

• Topic: Fatigue Management

• • • What strategies can I implement to conserve energy and manage fatigue in daily tasks?

• Can you provide guidance on pacing and balancing activities despite my symptoms?

• Topic: Adapting Activities

• • Are there modifications I can make to perform daily activities more comfortably?
  • How can I adjust my environment or activities to suit my current abilities?

 

Mental Health Professionals like Psychologists, Psychiatrists, or Counselors can provide support for managing anxiety, depression, stress, or coping with the psychological impact of long COVID.

• Topic: Anxiety & Stress Management

• • • How can I manage stress and anxiety related to my ongoing health issues?
    • Are there specific relaxation techniques or coping strategies I can learn?

• Topic: Depression Support

• • • What methods or therapies can help with coping and managing depressive symptoms?
    • Are there lifestyle changes or activities that could positively impact my mental health?

• Topic: Coping Strategies

• • Can you recommend strategies to improve my mental well-being during my recovery period?
  • How can I deal with the psychological impact of ongoing symptoms?

 

Infectious Disease Specialists can provide insights and guidance based on their expertise in infectious diseases and may offer specific advice related to ongoing symptoms post-COVID.

• Topic: Insights on long COVID

• • • Can you provide insights into the potential long-term effects of COVID-19 on my health?
    • What specific advice do you have regarding my ongoing symptoms post-COVID-19?

• Topic: Guidance on Treatments

• • • Are there any emerging treatments or therapies for long COVID that I should consider?
    • Can you help me understand the potential long-term effects on my immune system?

• Topic: Advice on Ongoing Symptoms

• • How can I manage my symptoms effectively to improve my overall well-being?
  • Are there specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take based on my condition?

 

Rheumatologists can help manage symptoms like joint pain, inflammation, or other musculoskeletal issues that some individuals with long COVID might experience.

• Topic: Joint Pain & Inflammation

• • • Are my joint pains or musculoskeletal symptoms related to my previous COVID-19 infection?
    • What treatments or lifestyle changes can alleviate these symptoms?

• Topic: Specialized Treatments

• • • Can you help manage inflammation or musculoskeletal issues I’ve been experiencing?
    • Are there medications or therapies that could target my specific symptoms?

• Topic: Improving Quality of Life

• • How can I enhance my overall well-being while dealing with these ongoing musculoskeletal symptoms?
  • Are there exercises or treatments that could benefit my joint health and improve my mobility post-COVID-19?

 

Gastroenterologists can help those experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, or digestive issues after COVID-19, gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the digestive system.

• Topic: Digestive Symptoms

• • • Are my gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, or digestive issues related to my prior COVID-19 infection?
    • What tests or evaluations are needed to diagnose and treat these symptoms effectively?

• Topic: Treatment Options

• • • Can you suggest lifestyle changes or medications to alleviate my digestive problems post-COVID-19?
    • Are there dietary modifications or specific therapies that could help manage my gastrointestinal symptoms?

• Topic: Improving Digestive Health

• • How can I improve my digestive health and quality of life while dealing with these ongoing symptoms?
  • Are there long-term considerations or strategies for managing gastrointestinal issues related to long COVID?

 

Speech and Language Therapists can help manage speech and swallowing difficulties that might arise due to neurological or respiratory complications from long COVID.

• Topic: Speech Difficulties

• • • How can I manage speech difficulties that have arisen post-COVID-19?
    • Are there exercises or techniques that can improve my speech clarity?

• Topic: Swallowing Issues

• • • What strategies can help me cope with swallowing difficulties caused by long COVID?
    • Can you provide guidance on diet modifications or techniques to ease swallowing?

• Topic: Communication Strategies

• • How can I improve my communication abilities despite these challenges?
  • Are there specific therapies or exercises to enhance my communication skills?

 

Social Workers and Care Coordinators are professionals who can assist in navigating healthcare systems, accessing support services, and providing guidance for managing various aspects of daily life affected by long COVID.

• Topic:Accessing Support Services

• • • How can I access support services or community resources to assist with my recovery?
    • Are there financial or social support programs available for individuals dealing with long COVID?

• Topic: Navigating Healthcare Systems

• • • Can you assist in navigating the healthcare system to ensure I receive appropriate care?
    • What steps should I take to optimize my healthcare management considering my condition?

• Topic: Managing Daily Life

• • Can you provide guidance on managing various aspects of daily life affected by long COVID?
  • Are there specific strategies or resources available to help me adapt to these changes?

 

Monitoring Long COVID with the Akeso App

For most long COVID patients dealing with symptoms like brain fog and fatigue, also makes tracking their symptoms an impossible task.

This is where Akeso comes in. This all-in-one health condition tracker is designed to help patients take control of their health and successfully monitor their chronic ailments. You can track all of your symptoms with a simple push of a button.

To learn more about how you can use Akeso to better understand your body and start managing your condition, click here.

——-

Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and treatment plans tailored to your individual health needs.

Sources: CDC, Yale Medicine, American Medical Association