Happy Hypoxemia in COVID-19—A Neural Hypothesis
Anoop U.R., Kavita Verma
Abstract
Many COVID-19 patients are presenting with atypical clinical features. Happy hypoxemia with almost normal breathing, anosmia in the absence of rhinitis or nasal obstruction, and ageusia are some of the reported atypical clinical findings. Based on the clinical manifestations of the disease, we are proposing a new hypothesis that SARS-CoV-2 mediated inflammation of the nucleus tractus solitarius may be the reason for happy hypoxemia in COVID-19 patients.
Topics & Concepts
AnosmiaHypoxemiaCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)MedicineSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)2019-20 coronavirus outbreakDiseaseAnesthesiaInternal medicinePathologyInfectious disease (medical specialty)OutbreakLong-Term Effects of COVID-19Thermal Regulation in MedicineRespiratory Support and Mechanisms