The results from phase III randomized adjuvant TKI and ICI trials in RCC.

Lingering Lung Disorders 5 Years Post-COVID: Here's What To Know

The COVID-19 pandemic engulfed the U.S. Five years ago this month, leaving not only lingering mental health effects but also long-term physical symptoms.

One of those included a condition known as post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis, which involves scarring of the lungs that can worsen over time and may require a lung transplant, according to pulmonologists.

Early infection caused extensive inflammation in many different body systems, noted Dr. Scott Scheinin, MD, director of lung transplantation for Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.

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"Once they cleared that infection, a lot of people were left with some amount of lung tissue being destroyed," Scheinin told Fox News Digital during an interview.

Post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis involves scarring of the lungs that can worsen over time and may require a lung transplant. (iStock)

Scheinin provided medical care on the frontlines in New York City in the first wave of the pandemic.

"The early COVID experience in New York was the worst thing I've ever experienced in my life. It was just horrible," he recalled.

One patient's story

One of Scheinin's patients was a pastor in his mid-50s who was infected with COVID-19 in March 2020.

Pastor Benjamin Thomas of East Meadow, Long Island, spent nearly 100 days in the hospital — 54 of which were on a ventilator — and six weeks in a medically induced coma. 

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He was discharged in July 2020 with an oxygen tank. Despite overcoming the initial infection, Thomas' condition deteriorated. 

In 2022, the pastor noticed that his daily activity tolerance diminished dramatically and he required more oxygen for simple tasks.

The inflammatory response sparked by early mutations of the novel coronavirus led to scarring of lungs in many individuals.  (iStock)

"I couldn't take a shower for more than 30 seconds without being on oxygen," he told Fox News Digital in an interview.

Scheinin said the pastor had no underlying conditions before contracting COVID. A lung biopsy showed that Thomas' symptoms were consistent with post-inflammatory pulmonary fibrosis due to the COVID-19 infection.   

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Thomas' story was remarkable in that he survived the first bout with COVID, but two years later, his lungs had deteriorated so badly from the scarring that he needed a double lung transplant, Scheinin shared.

After spending seven months on the wait list, Thomas opted to settle for one lung since that would be faster than waiting for two. His surgery was performed on Feb. 28, 2023.

"The flu and any other illness would be exacerbated because of the underlying scarring of the lung."

Now, two years after his lung transplant, Thomas says he no longer needs oxygen supplementation and is back to performing his daily pastoral activities at his church in Queens Village, New York, albeit at a slower pace than before. 

The pastor has returned to long-distance driving and can now walk for about 30 minutes. He attributes his successful recovery to the efforts of his Mount Sinai medical team, his faith and prayers from his congregation.

What is post-COVID fibrosis?

A healthy lung allows for the normal exchange of gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, when one breathes air, Scheinin told Fox News Digital.

The inflammatory response sparked by early mutations of the novel coronavirus led to scarring of lungs in many individuals. 

Testing for this condition is relatively non-invasive, typically including a cat scan or X-ray to check for structural lung damage, as well as blood tests and a pulmonary function test. (iStock)

In certain cases, the doctor said, the lungs no longer function as well as they did before the infection.

"The normal gas exchange is impeded because now you have areas of the lung tissue that are scarred, and therefore they're not functioning normally," he said. 

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"If it's a small area, it may be insignificant and unnoticeable, but as more of the lung tissue becomes scarred, more of the normal lung function is destroyed, [and] the patient becomes short of breath." 

This could lead to future issues, especially if the patient is exposed to other respiratory ailments.

"The flu and any other illness would be exacerbated because of the underlying scarring of the lung," Scheinin said. "I think it just makes the lungs more susceptible to injury."

Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Symptoms of post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis can mimic other types of interstitial lung diseases, which are disorders that cause progressive scarring and inflammation of lung tissue.

If a person who previously had a COVID infection continues to experience shortness of breath, chronic cough and change in their exercise tolerance — or if they smoke or have an underlying condition such as emphysema — they should see their physician or a pulmonologist, according to Scheinin.

Risk factors for post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis typically include an underlying chronic condition, older age, and the use of mechanical ventilation during the acute phase of COVID. (iStock)

Testing for this condition is relatively non-invasive, typically including a cat scan or X-ray to check for structural lung damage, as well as blood tests and a pulmonary function test, the doctor told Fox News Digital.

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Not everyone infected with COVID will develop pulmonary fibrosis, and the condition can vary in severity and recovery, the lung specialist noted. 

In some cases, a person may have been susceptible to developing lung fibrosis due to an underlying condition and the COVID-19 infection may accelerate the fibrotic progression.

It is important to get checked out by a medical professional if you have symptoms, a lung specialist said, especially shortness of breath. (iStock)

It is important to get checked out by a medical professional if you have symptoms, Scheinin said, especially shortness of breath.

Risk factors for post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis typically include an underlying chronic condition, older age, and the use of mechanical ventilation during the acute phase of COVID, according to previous studies.

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Researchers are investigating the use of antifibrotic medications to treat the condition, along with steroids and other anti-inflammatories that are currently used to treat other lung diseases.

Besides medications, treatment may also include pulmonary rehabilitation, exercise training and behavioral modifications, according to lung specialists.

Amy McGorry is a contributing health writer for Fox News Digital. Follow her on Twitter @amymcgorry.

The Herbs That Can Help You Breathe Easier

That feeling of your airways tightening, the wheeze that makes every breath a conscious effort, the constant clearing of your throat that never quite satisfies – if you're among the 25 million Americans with asthma or the millions more with respiratory challenges, you know these sensations all too well.

While inhalers and prescriptions have their place, there's a whole world of natural lung support growing right under our noses. Ancient healing traditions across cultures recognized the power of certain plants to open airways, reduce inflammation, and strengthen respiratory function long before modern medicine existed.

What's most surprising isn't that these herbs work – it's how well they work, and how little attention they receive from conventional healthcare. These botanical breath-enhancers offer complementary support that many find reduces their dependence on pharmaceuticals or enhances their effectiveness.

Let's explore the herbal allies that might just transform your relationship with breathing, one leaf at a time.

The ancient adaptogens that recalibrate respiratory response

Some herbs don't just temporarily mask symptoms – they actually help your body adapt to stressors and become more resilient over time. These respiratory adaptogens have profound effects on lung function when used consistently.

The incredible immunity herb

Astragalus might sound like a dinosaur species, but this root has been the backbone of Chinese medicine for lung support for over 2,000 years. What makes it remarkable is its dual action – it simultaneously strengthens the lungs' defensive barriers while modulating the immune response that triggers asthma attacks.

The compounds in astragalus root increase your lungs' resistance to irritants and pathogens by enhancing what's called "surface immunity" – the protective mechanisms in the mucous membranes lining your respiratory tract. Think of it as reinforcing the walls of your respiratory fortress.

For asthma sufferers, its most valuable property might be its ability to balance the overactive immune response that causes airways to constrict. By regulating T-helper cells, astragalus helps calm the hypersensitivity at the heart of asthmatic reactions without suppressing the immune system's necessary functions.

Astragalus works best as a long-term ally rather than an emergency intervention. Try it as a daily tea, tincture, or capsule for at least 8-12 weeks to experience its full adaptive effects. The subtle strengthening of your respiratory system builds gradually, creating resilience that many find reduces the frequency and severity of breathing difficulties.

The Ayurvedic lung rejuvenator

Tulsi, or Holy Basil, has been revered in India's Ayurvedic tradition as the "incomparable one" for good reason. This aromatic herb contains powerful compounds that specifically target the biochemical pathways involved in respiratory inflammation and bronchial constriction.

What makes Tulsi unique is its rich content of eugenol and caryophyllene – compounds that inhibit the same inflammatory enzymes targeted by conventional asthma medications, but without the potential side effects. These natural compounds help relax the smooth muscles in the airways while reducing the inflammatory cascade that narrows bronchial passages.

Tulsi also contains potent antioxidants that protect lung tissue from environmental damage caused by pollution, smoke, and other respiratory irritants. This protective effect makes it particularly valuable for urban dwellers or those exposed to poor air quality.

The easiest way to incorporate Tulsi is as a daily tea, which allows its volatile oils to be directly inhaled while the active compounds are absorbed through digestion. Three cups daily provides the therapeutic dose used in research showing significant improvements in lung function parameters.

The expectorant powerhouses that clear congestion

Some herbs specialize in helping your lungs expel the mucus and debris that restrict breathing and harbor infections. These natural expectorants work more gently than pharmaceutical options, without the drowsiness or overly-dried tissues.

The surprising kitchen remedy

Thyme might be hiding in your spice rack right now, but this common culinary herb deserves a promotion to your medicine cabinet. Its active compound, thymol, is so effective at relaxing bronchial muscles and loosening mucus that it's actually used as an ingredient in professional respiratory medications in Europe.

What makes thyme exceptional is how it balances its powerful expectorant action with significant antimicrobial properties. This dual action helps clear congestion while simultaneously fighting the bacterial or viral infections that often trigger asthma flares or bronchitis episodes.

The volatile oils in thyme work directly on the tiny hair-like structures called cilia that line your airways, helping them more efficiently sweep away mucus and trapped particles. This improved mucociliary clearance creates natural respiratory cleaning without the harsh, tissue-drying effects of some pharmaceutical expectorants.

For acute respiratory challenges, try thyme as a strong tea or steam inhalation, which delivers its beneficial compounds directly to inflamed tissues. For long-term support, regular cooking with fresh thyme introduces a consistent, gentle dose of its therapeutic compounds.

The mullein miracle

This common roadside plant with fuzzy leaves and tall yellow flower stalks might look unassuming, but mullein has been used for respiratory support since ancient Greece. Its unique contribution to lung health is its ability to soothe irritated respiratory tissues while simultaneously helping expel trapped mucus.

What separates mullein from other expectorants is its exceptional safety profile, making it appropriate even for children and the elderly. It provides gentle yet effective relief without the stimulating effects of many other respiratory herbs, so it can be used before bed without disturbing sleep.

Mullein works through mild saponins that increase the production of thinner, less sticky mucus that's easier to expel from the lungs. This helps clear airways without the harsh coughing episodes that can further irritate sensitive respiratory tissues or trigger asthma symptoms.

For most effective use, mullein leaves can be prepared as a hot infusion, steeped covered for at least 15 minutes to extract their beneficial mucilage. Straining through a fine cloth removes the tiny hairs that could irritate the throat. For convenient daily use, mullein is also available in tinctures and capsules.

The bronchodilators that open restricted airways

When airways constrict during asthma or COPD flares, certain herbs can help relax the bronchial muscles almost immediately, creating more space for precious oxygen to flow. These natural bronchodilators provide options beyond the standard rescue inhaler.

The ancient ephedra alternative

Lobelia, sometimes called Indian tobacco, contains compounds remarkably similar to our body's own neurotransmitters that control airway dilation. Its main alkaloid, lobeline, has a chemical structure similar to nicotine but with opposite effects on the lungs – while smoking constricts airways, lobelia helps open them.

What makes lobelia unique is its apparent ability to interrupt the feedback loop of bronchospasm, where constricted airways cause panic, which further constricts airways. By simultaneously relaxing the physical constriction and the anxiety that accompanies breathing difficulty, lobelia addresses both the physical and psychological components of respiratory distress.

This powerful herb demands respect – its effective dose is close to the amount that can cause nausea, making precise preparation crucial. In skilled hands, low doses of lobelia tincture can provide quick relief during acute breathing challenges, working within minutes to help ease constriction.

Due to its potency, lobelia is best used under guidance from an experienced herbalist or naturopathic doctor who can recommend appropriate dosing and monitor for interactions with conventional asthma medications. When properly employed, many find it reduces their need for rescue inhalers.

The unexpected coffee connection

Coffee isn't just for morning energy – it contains compounds closely related to theophylline, a pharmaceutical bronchodilator prescribed for asthma and COPD. A strong cup of coffee can temporarily dilate constricted airways during an acute episode when other options aren't available.

The bronchodilating effect comes from coffee's methylxanthines, which inhibit phosphodiesterase, an enzyme that causes bronchial constriction. This creates a measurable increase in airway diameter that peaks about 30-45 minutes after consumption and can last for up to four hours.

What's particularly valuable about coffee as a supplementary approach is its availability – when caught without medication, a cup of strong coffee can provide crucial temporary relief while seeking proper medical care. Some research even suggests that regular coffee consumption is associated with fewer asthma symptoms over time.

For those who are sensitive to caffeine's effects on sleep or anxiety, herbal coffee alternatives containing roasted chicory root provide some of the same bronchodilating compounds with less central nervous system stimulation.

The anti-inflammatory herbs that tackle the root cause

Since chronic inflammation underlies most persistent respiratory conditions, herbs that specifically target inflammatory pathways offer profound benefits for long-term lung health.

The turmeric lung connection

This golden spice has received plenty of attention for joint inflammation, but its benefits for respiratory inflammation are equally impressive. Curcumin, turmeric's active compound, blocks multiple inflammatory pathways involved in asthma and other respiratory conditions.

What makes turmeric particularly valuable for lung health is its ability to inhibit the specific inflammatory enzymes that trigger bronchial constriction while also thinning mucus secretions. This dual action addresses both the underlying inflammation and its symptomatic expression.

Research shows that curcumin can reduce airway hyperresponsiveness – that hair-trigger reaction to irritants that characterizes asthma – by modulating the immune cells involved in allergic responses. This helps break the cycle of chronic inflammation that keeps respiratory issues persistently active.

The challenge with turmeric is absorption – curcumin on its own is poorly utilized by the body. Combining it with black pepper, which contains piperine, increases absorption by up to 2,000%. For respiratory support, consider a daily dose of 500-1,000mg of curcumin in a formulation that includes piperine or lipids for enhanced bioavailability.

These herbal approaches work best as part of a comprehensive respiratory health strategy that includes proper medical care, trigger avoidance, appropriate exercise, and optimal hydration. The plant world offers valuable allies, but they work most effectively when integrated thoughtfully into your overall wellness plan.

Many find the greatest success using these herbs preventatively rather than only during acute episodes. The cumulative effects of consistent herbal support often lead to gradual improvements in lung function, reduced frequency of flares, and greater resilience against respiratory challenges.

Remember that breathing isn't just a physical function – it's the most immediate connection between your inner world and the environment around you. Supporting this precious capacity with nature's remedies offers a path to deeper, easier breaths and the fuller life they make possible.

What Wildfire Smoke Could Be Doing To Your Lungs

Dr. Jad Kebbe, a pulmonologist at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, discusses the risks of inhaling wildfire smoke, including short- and long-term lung damage, and offers tips for protecting respiratory health.

Friday, March 28th 2025, 8:07 am

By: Brooke Cox

With wildfire smoke continuing to affect Green Country, local experts are warning of the potential risks posed by inhaling smoky air. Dr. Jad Kebbe, a pulmonologist at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center who specializes in advanced lung disease, spoke with News On 6's Dave Davis about the dangers of breathing in wildfire smoke and how to protect your health.

Q: What are we breathing in when we breathe smoky air?

Dr. Kebbe: "It's a very good question. Yes, it's not a kind thing to our lungs that we are breathing all this smoke from the wildfires and the dust that surrounds us. And this can bring in carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, if we're near a fire, it can bring in aromatic hydrocarbons, which are chemicals, and even more importantly, can bring in something called small particulate matter, which are very small particle things smaller than sand, dust, things 20 times smaller than a hair strand that can go in, deep inside our lungs and cause a lot of inflammation and problems for our breathing systems. And they can cause long term damage."

Q: What are some of the short-term effects people might experience from inhaling this particulate matter?

Dr. Kebbe: "Short term, you can have irritation of your eyes, lungs, airways, if you have asthma, allergies, or can those can act up, unfortunately. But long term, the inflammation can actually cause problems with lung inflammation. Couple main things to keep in mind would be pulmonary fibrosis or sarcoidosis, which can have very long-term effect and damage to people's lung health and health in general."

Q: What is sarcoidosis, and how do you know when you need to see a doctor for it?

Dr. Kebbe: "Yes, people can develop problems with breathing. Think cough, shortness of breath, sometimes even problem with wheezing, if it affects the airways. Sarcoidosis can cause inflammation not only in the lungs but in other systems. And it's a cluster of cells of inflammation that can cause disease in lungs and other organs and can make people, even sometimes lose weight, have fever, sweat at night. So it can mimic an infection. It's one of those conditions that can have similarities with other conditions, but it's important because it can destroy the lungs long-term."

Q: Who is especially vulnerable to the effects of wildfire smoke?

Dr. Kebbe: "Yeah, I think everyone can be vulnerable, but those who have health problems, autoimmune conditions, people who have sensitive lungs, or even who have genetic predisposition to develop this type of inflammation and long-term scarring."

Q: Are people with asthma or COPD at higher risk?

Dr. Kebbe: "Of course, yes, any of this particulate matter and other hydrocarbons that people can inhale can affect the airways and can cause asthma attacks, COPD attacks. So it's very important for people to be sensitive to their symptoms, how they're changing, take their inhalers and breathing treatments and make sure they reach out to their doctors or seek medical care if they have any of those symptoms."

Q: What are some ways to protect ourselves when wildfire smoke starts affecting the air quality?

Dr. Kebbe: "It's very important for people to protect their lungs. Stay inside. If you can watch the air quality, if it goes up, make sure you are staying indoors. Use an air purifier. If you have to go outside, use something like an N95 mask or a P100 respirator. Make sure the quality of the air inside the house with the filters have been changed. Make sure that you drink enough water and stay well hydrated. And reach out to your health care provider to make sure if they have any additional recommendations for you to stay healthy."

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