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They said that they can function with the oxygen levels that low because the lungs are still compliant at expelling the carbon dioxide which is not typically th
by oxymoran 6y ago
They said that they can function with the oxygen levels that low because the lungs are still compliant at expelling the carbon dioxide which is not typically the case with respiratory disease. I read in a different article that it’s perhaps because the virus is actually striking the vascular system causing restriction of blood vessels in the lungs which restrict air supply while the lungs themselves function.
- derefr 6y agoSo, treat like athsma/cystic fibrosis, with long-acting bronchodilators?
- taneq 6y agoThat would make sense of the "all OK" -> "suddenly just about dead" transition. And it wouldn't need to lower O2 absorption by much to get this effect because if CO2 is being expelled normally, the body won't engage its normal can't-breathe responses so the O2 level drops virtually unchecked. I've read about successful treatment just with hyperbaric oxygen which would also make sense here.