PhD Defence Maarten Van Herck

Keywords: Fatigue, long covid, asthma, COPD
 

"Fatigue as a key feature in asthma, COPD and long COVID"

Fatigue is a common, but often underestimated and overlooked symptom in both asthma and COPD (a lung disease characterized by lung damage resulting in reduced oxygen uptake and breathing difficulties). The severity of fatigue is not related to an individual's lung function, making its treatment difficult. Sleep quality, shortness of breath, pain, and excessive negative feelings toward fatigue were linked to fatigue and are potential targets for personalized treatment in the future. In addition, this thesis brings long COVID (a condition describing persisting symptoms after COVID-19) into focus. Long covid has a significant impact on individuals' quality of life and functioning. Fatigue, post-exertional malaise (a disproportionate worsening of symptoms after physical, cognitive or emotional triggers), and orthostatic intolerance (the onset of symptoms when a person sits or stands upright) were identified as key features of long COVID. These findings highlight the need for targeted support and further research into effective treatments for long COVID. 

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