CAN CORONAVIRUS CAUSE HAIR LOSS AND HEARING PROBLEMS ? EXPERTS EXPLAIN THE SIDE- EFFECTS OF COVID19!

The data which is available to public so far suggests that patients who have been affected by the novel coronavirus could have many side effects. Researchers say that these include a wide range of physical and mental side effects such as lingering hearing problems, hair loss, dizziness, mood disorders, anxiety etc. Health experts are also worried about the damage it can have on heart, kidneys and liver due to inflammation and blood clotting the infectious causes. 

British researchers suggest that patients recovering from infection from COVID-19 experience are facing hearing problems. The study published in the International Journal of Audiology; 120 UK patients who had been hospitalized were analyzed in a phone survey. The findings indicate that 13 per cent of patients reported that their hearing has become worse. Eight of them reported deterioration in condition whereas eight others said they have tinnitus (ringing in the ears). 

“We already know that viruses such as measles, mumps and meningitis can cause hearing loss, and coronaviruses can damage the nerves that carry information to and from the brain,” Kevin Munro, a researcher and professor of audiology at the University of Manchester, said.

“It is possible, in theory, that COVID-19 could cause problems with parts of the auditory system including the middle ear or cochlea,” he stated in a university news release.

Various dermatologists have reported that COVID-19 patients are seeing hair loss as well. Many of them are reportedly witnessing temporary hair loss months after they recovered from the disease. Doctors believe these side effects are not directly triggered by COVID-19, however it might have a consequence of a shock to the body caused by high fever and other symptoms. 

“There are several factors that can cause hair loss - such as hormonal imbalances, genetics, age, stress, other health conditions and medication. Telogen effluvium, which can cause hair shedding all over the head, is the most common type of hair loss among COVID-19 patients,” Times Now reported. 

Meanwhile, Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, a dermatologist at Cleveland Clinic is of the view that pandemic stress can also lead to hair loss and might not be necessarily linked to COVID-19.