The global COVID-19 pandemic has had long-term health implications, particularly for the lungs. Many recovering patients continue to experience shortness of breath, fatigue, or chest discomfort weeks or even months after infection. A pulmonary specialist plays a key role in evaluating and treating these lingering symptoms through structured pulmonary care, helping patients regain respiratory strength and overall wellness.

Post-COVID Pulmonary Complications

While many COVID-19 patients recover fully, others face residual lung damage, inflammation, or fibrosis. This condition, known as “long COVID,” has brought pulmonary issues to the forefront of post-pandemic medicine.

Common post-COVID lung symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing during activity
  
  

• Persistent dry cough
  
  

• Chest tightness or discomfort
  
  

• Low oxygen levels
  
  

A pulmonary specialist is essential in assessing these symptoms and ruling out other conditions such as pulmonary embolism or chronic lung disease.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Role of the Pulmonary Specialist

Post-COVID evaluation involves comprehensive tests to assess lung function and detect any lasting damage. Pulmonologists may perform:

• High-resolution CT scans
  
  

• Pulmonary function tests (PFTs)
  
  

• 6-minute walk tests
  
  

• Blood oxygen monitoring
  
  

Following diagnosis, the pulmonary care plan may include corticosteroids, breathing exercises, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Long COVID

Rehabilitation programs are tailored to the patient’s condition and focus on restoring lung capacity and physical endurance. These medically supervised sessions improve breathing efficiency and reduce fatigue, promoting faster recovery.

Conclusion
As the world recovers from the pandemic, the need for specialized pulmonary care is more apparent than ever. A pulmonary specialist provides critical post-COVID care, guiding patients toward full recovery with expert support, monitoring, and personalized therapy.