Long Covid Clinic in Palo Alto, CA

Long COVID is a complex chronic illness, and anyone can develop it. It is estimated that 23 million Americans have Long COVID. Although anyone can develop it, it does appear to be most common among women and people with preexisting conditions like cardiovascular disease, lung conditions or diabetes.

However, with no single diagnostic test for the disease and inconsistent symptoms, the widespread belief that Long COVID is a psychosomatic disease caused by psychological factors and not physical illness has been as hard to dispel as the condition itself.

Over 80 percent of patients with Long COVID symptoms have experienced this – not only from family, friends and the general public, but even from their healthcare providers. Long COVID groups on social media present an endless stream of stories. They are commonly told their symptoms are a function of mental illness, leaving Long COVID sufferers commonly either misdiagnosed or labeled “depressed” or simply “hypochondriacs.”

There is no doubt that Long COVID is a physical illness, and it can wreak havoc on your health – but it doesn’t have to. Compile your list of symptoms and contact Water’s Edge Natural Medicine in Palo Alto, CA, to discuss options for achieving a healthier, more balanced approach to restoring your health after Long COVID is addressed. Schedule a consultation today with us by contacting us online or calling us at (650) 240-4868!

What is Long Covid?

Long COVID is a syndrome resulting from the COVID virus disrupting multiple body systems, leading to widespread inflammation, organ dysfunction, and a variety of symptoms that are notable by their persistence. Symptoms affect people for weeks, months or even longer after getting COVID-19. Long COVID is defined by specific signs, symptoms and conditions that continue or develop after an initial infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Understanding the Etiology of Long Covid

Most Long COVID patients are unaware that their current symptoms were brought on by a COVID-19 infection as the precipitating cause. The etiology of Long COVID involves multiple factors and is extremely complex. Generally, there is no single cause, but rather multiple overlapping contributing factors that keep the body in a constant state of inflammation and dysfunction long after the original COVID-19 infection.

It involves not only viral persistence but also immune dysregulation via autoimmunity. Gut dysbiosis is a related factor that contributes to compromised immunity. Organ damage plays a role as well, not only to blood vessels but oftentimes to the brain itself. Reactivation of latent viruses is another factor at play.

Core mechanisms for the development and persistence of Long COVID include:

• Inappropriate immune response (e.g., cytokine storms, autoantibodies, etc.)
• Virus reservoirs whereby tiny fragments or reservoirs of the virus may survive in tissue, continuously triggering immune response
• Microclots in blood vessels
• Neurological damage to the brainstem/vagus nerve, disrupting autonomous bodily functions, including digestion and cardiovascular function

Risk Factors for Developing Long Covid

Research suggests it's more common in individuals with pre-existing conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes or lung conditions. It’s more common in women than men. People who already had higher viral loads are also more susceptible to developing Long COVID.

The precise cause of Long Covid is not known, but researchers believe a combination of environmental and genetic factors are at the root. Some possible risk factors/causes include:

• Gender – Women are more likely to develop Long COVID - especially following pregnancy and menopause. One in eight women are estimated to suffer with thyroid issues.
• Genetics – Genetic defects or predispositions may allow the virus to trigger an inappropriate immune response.
• Autoimmune Disease – If you are already suffering with other autoimmune diseases, like Addison’s Disease, Celiac Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Type 1 Diabetes or Lupus, you are more likely to develop autoimmune issues following a COVID infection.
• Age - Incidence of Long COVID increases with age. Older adults are more susceptible to severe acute infection to begin with and then often face prolonged and complicated recovery periods, especially if unvaccinated.
• Environmental Triggers: Exposure to environmental triggers like viral or bacterial infection or stress may play a role.

Symptoms of Long Covid

There are a wide range of symptoms that could signal the onset of Long Covid, and every individual differs in their experience and symptoms. Long Covid sometimes develops quickly after a COVID-19 infection or develops slowly and can exhibit no symptoms at first.

Long COVID may include some conditions previously linked to COVID-19, including lung damage or heart inflammation. Long Covid can also manifest with many of the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
• Fast or pounding heartbeat or heart palpitations
• Problematic sleep

Long COVID does not create the same set of symptoms in every individual. Researchers are only beginning to tease out the nature of Long COVID symptoms.

At Water’s Edge Natural Medicine in Palo Alto, we take not only your physical symptoms, but your emotional symptoms into consideration as we develop a treatment plan designed for you. Mental and emotional symptoms can include:

• Poor memory
• Difficulty concentrating and trouble thinking clearly
• Brain fog
• Sadness or depression
• Anxiety or excessive worry

During pregnancy, it is especially important to pay attention to the symptoms, as Long COVID can cause miscarriage or birth defects. Pregnancy is a time when Long COVID is often triggered.

Diagnosing Long Covid

A healthcare provider can diagnose Long Covid through a medical, a medical exam and testing. While there is no single definitive test for Long COVID, at your first consultation, we will conduct a full assessment of your symptoms and take a complete medical history to accurately diagnose Long Covid and rule out other conditions that may have similar symptoms. We recommend that you prepare a list of symptoms prior to your first consultation. We will also review your lifestyle factors, current medications and other health concerns.

At Water’s Edge Natural Medicine in Palo Alto, CA, we understand that your diagnosis of Long Covid is the first step in rebuilding your overall mental and physical health.

Treating Long Covid

If you are experiencing symptoms of Long Covid, it’s important to work with a doctor who understands the complexity of factors involved. A very specialized type of expertise and care is required to address all of the issues that arise from Long Covid.

The course of treatment will vary with each individual, especially since Long Covid symptoms may manifest differently in each patient. We will develop a treatment plan designed specifically for you. We generally use four major treatment approaches for Long Covid, including:

• Hormone therapy: As a first step, we often utilize hormone testing to optimize your hormone levels since COVID-19 and Long COVID both can disrupt your hormones.
• Immunity support: We will take measures to strengthen your immune function. Studies have shown that exercise regimens in pulmonary rehab significantly strengthened the immune function in Long COVID patients. Exercise and health movement are one key, but there are many approaches to improve immune response.
• Digestive treatments: We will conduct a thorough assessment of your digestive function and the health of your gut microbiome and offer treatments to improve both.
• Anti-inflammatory therapies: Reducing inflammation is a core focus in treating Long COVID because chronic inflammation is a key feature of the syndrome.

Our goal is to counteract the changes in your body the onset of Long Covid may have triggered. Some approaches may include:

• Optimizing hormone levels
• Targeted vitamins, supplements or IV vitamin therapy
• Identifying and addressing food allergies and sensitivities, as well as environmental allergies that may be exacerbating Long Covid symptoms
• Recommended lifestyle modifications that support health
• Medical nutrition plan to optimize hormone and immune balance
• Herbal remedies
• Stress management
• Acupuncture
• And more!

At Water’s Edge Natural Medicine in Palo Alto, CA, we offer the most up-to-date and comprehensive testing and treatment to bring renewed health and freedom from the troubling symptoms of Long Covid.

Request Your Appointment Today!

We are here to answer any questions you may have about your symptoms and our array of healing, rejuvenating and balancing approaches to help you recover from Long COVID and restore your health and wellness. Compile your list of symptoms and reach out to Water’s Edge Natural Medicine in Palo Alto, CA to connect with our Long Covid Clinic and schedule a consultation today! Contact us online or call us at (650) 240-4868!

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