COVID 19-lung interactions: the salient points for pulmonologist

Abstract

The COVID 19 virus gains entry into body by docking to ACE2 receptors of lungs. Subsequently it deranges the balance in RAS and destabilizes oxidant-antioxidant systems. It leads to cytokine storm and endothelial dysfunction. Intially lung is compliant but patients may be hypoxic due to vasoplegia. Later typical full blown ARDS set in.