Apheresis Treatment for Long COVID in Tackling Microclots

Months after recovering from COVID-19, many people are still suffering from debilitating symptoms — ranging from brain fog and fatigue to chest pain and shortness of breath. The condition, Long COVID, has confounded the medical world. One promising new theory? Tiny, persistent micro blood clots could be at the root of many ongoing symptoms. Apheresis treatment for Long COVID has been making waves. We will discuss more about it in the article further.

What Are Long COVID Microclots?

Unlike the big clots commonly linked to stroke or DVT, Long COVID microclots are tiny, adhesive pieces of blood that can prevent oxygen from being delivered to tissues. Microclots have been found in the blood of numerous patients with Long COVID, and they're thought to be primarily responsible for persistent symptoms long-term.

Studies indicate these microclots could affect circulation, precipitating a cycle of inflammation, tissue damage, and energy loss. Whether more studies affirm this or not, it has become popular enough with researchers and clinics.

Micro Clotting Signs You Need to Be Aware of

Microclottingsymptoms may also masquerade as some other conditions, making the diagnostic process arduous. The following micro blood clots symptoms have most commonly been associated with Long COVID patients:

• Persistent weakness and tiredness                                                      
• Brain fog or cognitive dysfunction
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or tightness
• Cold hands and feet due to poor circulation
• Muscle weakness or pain

If you're experiencing these symptoms months after a COVID infection, micro blood clot symptoms could be the culprit — and they may require a different kind of treatment approach.

Apheresis Treatment for Long COVID: How It Works

One of the experimental treatments gaining attention is apheresis treatment for Long- COVID. This new blood filtration technique isolates plasma and eliminates unwanted particles, including inflammatory markers, lipids, and possibly microclots.

The procedure is similar to dialysis. Blood is taken from the patient, filtered through a unique filter, and infused into the body. It's already been used in other conditions, such as high cholesterol and autoimmune diseases. Now, clinics in Europe—particularly in Germany and Cyprus—are performing it on Long-COVID patients with the hope of alleviating microclot symptoms.

Does It Work? What Patients and Experts Say

Some patients have reported impressive improvements following multiple cycles of apheresis. They recount sharper mental acuity, diminished pain, and increased energy. But medical professionals are in wait-and-see mode. Although anecdotal evidence is promising, large-scale clinical trials must be conducted to establish efficacy.

It's also important to mention that apheresis treatment for Long COVID has yet to be broadly available, and therapy may be expensive — in some cases, thousands of dollars per procedure.

A Hopeful but Cautious Step

Though it's premature to refer to apheresis as a cure, it's a glimmer of hope in the intricate puzzle of Long COVID. For those experiencing micro-blood clotsymptoms, it may provide an avenue worth pursuing — preferably under the guidance of experienced healthcare professionals.

As science continues to advance, apheresis treatment for Long COVID could turn out to be more than a fleeting trend — but a lifeline for thousands suffering from the hidden legacy of infection.