Why is my father's oxygen saturation low even after recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. According to your statement, your father has been suffering from COVID-19 pneumonia, and he has its associated complications or consequences since the last month. According to the CT (computed tomography) chest report (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), your father had pneumonia due to the COVID-19 infection. CRP (C-reactive protein) was raised that time because CRP is an acute-phase protein and it becomes raised during the presence of any infection or inflammation in the body. Again, as your father had pneumonia due to COVID-19 and old age, so I think it was wise to give him antiviral medications like Remdesivir. I think antiviral medication will help him to cure his COVID pneumonia and prevent the COVID-19 associated with further complications or consequences. Most importantly, a repeat CT chest should be done after completing 14 day's treatment. But, according to your description here, a no-repeat computed tomography (CT) chest was not done. Your father, at present, is suffering from exertional dyspnea, as he becomes breathless after light exercises like walking and this exertional dyspnea. First of all, a repeat CT chest should be done to reassess his lung status as well as pneumonia. If pneumonia persisted, then antiviral drugs should be started. I have also seen his prescription and all investigation reports. Continue his current using medications and do repeat CT chest.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com. His oxygen saturation level is fluctuating, especially during or after exertion. So, monitor his oxygen saturation level routinely. Without a CT (computed tomography) chest, nothing is confirmed. Your father occasionally suffers from hypoxia as his oxygen saturation level declines below 90%. His occasional hypoxia may result from post-COVID-19 complications or consequences. Oxygen inhalation may improve his oxygen saturation level. According to international guidelines, oxygen therapy is indicated when the oxygen saturation level becomes below 92%. Antiviral medication should be given when your father was diagnosed as a patient with COVID-19 pneumonia. For now, complete bed rest is necessary. Your father becomes lethargic due to hypoxia or low oxygen saturation level. His oxygen saturation level should be maintained continuously above 95% and 97-98%. So, if needed, oxygen therapy should be started. Do repeat his CT chest, and it will tell us what to do next.