The Impact of COVID-19 on COPD: Short-Term Complications and Long-Term Consequences

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), increasing their susceptibility to severe complications. Elevated ACE2 receptor expression and chronic inflammation in COPD patients contribute to a more severe course of COVID-19, heightening the risk of complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), hypoxia, and thrombosis. Long-term, COVID-19 is associated with pulmonary fibrosis and post-COVID syndrome in COPD patients, manifesting as chronic fatigue and reduced physical activity. This study aims to elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms, analyze short- and long-term consequences of COVID-19 for COPD patients, and develop clinical recommendations to improve their quality of life.