
Lungs are the main organs affected by COVID-19. Besides the lungs, the SARS-CoV-2 virus affects other parts of the respiratory system, such as the trachea (windpipe), nasal cavity, and throat.
Although COVID-19 mainly affects the lungs (pulmonary disease), studies done so far suggest that it can affect almost every organ in the body (extrapulmonary disease). Nonetheless, it is not certain which organs or organ systems will be involved in this disease in a particular person. Even the severity of organ involvement by COVID-19 varies with people.
Apart from the lungs, other organs or tissues affected by COVID-19 include:
- Cardiovascular system (consisting of the heart and blood vessels)
- Kidneys
- Brain
- Gastrointestinal system or the gut
- Skin
- Blood
- Pancreas
- Liver
- Eyes
- Joints
- Muscles
- Immune system
A type of severe and often life-threatening complication of COVID-19 is called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) or pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome (PMIS).
- This condition is mainly seen in children and teens and results due to an overreaction of the immune system against the coronavirus.
- It may cause symptoms, such as fever, skin rash, bloodshot eyes, swelling over the hands, feet, and tongue, abdominal pain, and swollen neck glands.
- It can turn fatal if not timely treated.
How does COVID-19 affect the lungs?
The lungs are the first site affected by COVID-19.
- The cells that line the airways have certain proteins on their surface called the ACE-2 receptors.
- The SARS-CoV-2 virus attaches to these receptors and enters the cells in the lungs.
- Once entered, the virus rapidly multiplies to form more viral particles that invade more cells in the airways.
- The spread of the infection in the lungs leads to an immune response by the body.
- In severe cases, this fight between the virus and the immune system may lead to the formation of a lot of debris and fluid collection in the lungs.
The lung involvement may cause symptoms, such as cough and shortness of breath, which may vary in severity depending on the extent of the disease.
COVID-19 can result in several pulmonary (related to the lungs) complications, such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and respiratory failure.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome or ARDS is a severe lung complication of COVID-19.
- In ARDS, the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs get filled with fluid leaking from the lung capillaries (the tiny blood vessels in the lungs).
- The alveoli are the site where the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) occurs between the blood and the lungs.
- ARDS hampers this exchange, resulting in a decline in oxygen levels and the buildup of carbon dioxide in the lungs.
- The affected person experiences severe breathing difficulty and may need ventilator support to survive.
People with underlying health conditions, including chronic lung diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and pulmonary hypertension) are at a greater risk of severe pulmonary complications of COVID-19.
Does COVID-19 affect your mental health?
COVID-19 has been found to affect mental health (psychiatric manifestations), causing issues such as:
- Insomnia (lack of proper sleep)
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Memory disturbances
- Poor concentration
- Confusion
- Fatigue
The psychiatric symptoms may be caused by the effect of COVID-19 on the brain. It is often termed “brain fog” by the people, wherein they report forgetfulness and disorientation for weeks after COVID-19.
The mental health issues may be caused by other factors, such as fear of the disease, confinement, loneliness, and financial issues associated with the disease.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Ramos-Casals M, Brito-Zerón P, Mariette X. Systemic and organ-specific immune-related manifestations of COVID-19. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2021 Jun;17(6):315-332. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41584-021-00608-z
Son MBF, Friedman K. COVID-19: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) management and outcome. UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/covid-19-multisystem-inflammatory-syndrome-in-children-mis-c-management-and-outcome?search=MISC&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~55&usage_type=default&display_rank=1
Stein MB. COVID-19: Psychiatric illness. UpToDate. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/covid-19-psychiatric-illness?search=psychiatric%20covid&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1
Top Which Organ System Is Most Affected by COVID-19 Related Articles
Can I Get COVID-19 Again?
If you have had COVID-19, can you get it again? Yes, COVID-19 reinfection is rare but possible. Learn what symptoms to look for and how to protect yourself.Coronavirus COVID-19 Prevention: Test Your Medical IQ
What's really the best way to prevent the spread of new coronavirus COVID-19? Should wear a mask or not? Take this quiz to find out!COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease: Articles of Interest
Read about COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease. See interesting articles related to vitamins and supplements to boost immunity, symptoms, prevention, vaccines, historical comparisons to past pandemics, and more.COVID-19 Vaccine Myths and Facts Quiz
The FDA has granted Emergency Use Authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines that have been shown to be safe and effective as established by data from large clinical trials.How Do the COVID-19 Coronavirus Tests Work?
Tests used for detection of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) may use two methods to detect SARS-CoV-2 virus, the cause of COVID-19 disease, a debilitating and potentially deadly viral pneumonia. Genomic or molecular detection confirms the presence of viral DNA. The immunoglobulin or serology tests can tell whether or not you have been exposed to coronavirus, but not whether you are currently infected. Both tests administered in tandem can give you your complete COVID-19 infection status.How Long Is a COVID-19 Patient Contagious?
People infected with COVID-19 can still be contagious even when they stop feeling sick, so precautionary measures should continue for at least 2 weeks after symptoms disappear and until the COVID-19 test result is negative. Ideally, patients should be quarantined at home or an institution for 2 weeks after the symptoms completely disappear.Is Your Immune System Stronger After COVID-19?
A robust immune system protects you from getting sick following exposure to germs and viruses. Yes, recovering from COVID-19 makes your immune system stronger.Lung and Respiratory: Signs That You May Have Had COVID-19
Could you have already had COVID-19 and not know it? Learn some signs that might indicate just that.What Is the Difference Between a PCR Nasal Swab and a COVID-19 Antigen Test?
Both the PCR test and antigen test can be used to determine whether you have been infected with the COVID-19 virus. While it takes longer to get results, a PCR test is usually more accurate than an antigen test.What Is the Recommended Pain Reliever for COVID-19?
Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) can all be used for pain relief from COVID-19 body aches if they are taken in the recommended doses.How to Differentiate Between the Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19, Allergies, Cold, and Flu?
Coronavirus disease or COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Most people with COVID-19 will experience a mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without the need for intensive or special treatment. Serious illness is more likely in elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer.Tests Available for COVID-19
Getting tested for COVID-19 can identify you as a positive or negative patient of the disease. Remember no test is 100% accurate. Different methods of testing have been launched to trace COVID-19 infection.What Drugs May Fight COVID-19? Drug Trials, Treatments, Vaccines
What drugs could help fight coronavirus COVID-19? Clinical studies are ongoing for antiviral drugs like hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine remdesivir, lopinavir and favipiravir, as well as COVID-19 vaccines. Learn why anti-flu respiratory drugs and home remedies may prove useful to treat or prevent serious coronavirus infections.What Is the COVID-19 Antigen Test?
What is the COVID-19 antigen test? Learn what the rapid antigen test is used for, how it works, and what the pros and cons are.COVID-19 (Coronavirus, 2019-nCoV)
Infection with COVID-19 (2019 novel coronavirus, 2019-nCoV) causes respiratory problems in humans. Transmission of COVID-19 occurs mainly through contact with respiratory sections from an infected person, however, fecal contamination may also spread the virus. Symptoms start off flu-like and progress to coughing, fever, shortness of breath, shaking chills, headache, loss of sense of taste and/or smell, muscle pain, and sore throat. Treatment focuses on supportive care and symptom relief. COVID-19 vaccines are available.Coronavirus COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Pandemic Outbreak: What You Need to Know
A new strain of coronavirus (COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2) was reported from Wuhan, China in December, 2019. This outbreak of respiratory flu-like symptoms has quickly spread resulting in a worldwide pandemic. Learn about symptoms, treatment, prevention and vaccine efforts.Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Prevention Quiz
Why is coronavirus considered dangerous? What are the symptoms you should look for? Take this COVID-19 prevention quiz to learn how to protect yourself.