Pathophysiology of worsening lung function in COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: The new coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) has emerged as the main threats to global health since December 2019. Addressing part of the pulmonary pathophysiology involved in the disease is important to help interested health professionals better understand the different aspects of this complex pathology. Aim: This article aims to present part of the pathophysiological process involved in pulmonary complications associated with Covid-19. Methods: An integrative literature review was carried out, with articles published between 2019 and 2020, in the Google and PubMed databases, using the following search terms: coronavirus, COVID-19, pulmonary complications, pneumonia. Results: 6 articles were included, addressing the proposed theme. Conclusion: The individual's infection with COVID-19 has the potential to cause significant changes in ventilatory capacity, leading to diffuse pulmonary impairment and worsening gas exchange. Further studies are needed to clarify the pathophysiology of this complex disease with a high potential for contagion, morbidity and mortality.Keywords: coronavirus infections, communicable diseases, pneumonia.