I'm really worried about my dad. He had COVID recently and now the doctor mentioned that he has some kind of fistula in his left lung. I'm not sure what this means for his recovery or his health in general. Could you explain what a fistula in the lung is and how serious it might be? Is it something that happens because of COVID infections, and what kind of treatment should he expect?

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Dhankecha Dineshbhai

General Practitioner

MBBS
6+ Yrs

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abnormal connection between two Lungs or vessels

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Answered 04/07/2025

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What is a lung fistula?
- An abnormal connection between the lung and other structures, such as the pleural space or airways, causing air or fluid leakage.
Seriousness for a 65-year-old male
- Can lead to complications like infection, breathing difficulty, or prolonged hospital stay. Timely diagnosis and management are crucial.
Relationship with COVID-19
- Severe COVID-19 infections or complications like lung abscess or barotrauma from ventilation can cause fistulas, though it's uncommon.
Treatment options
- Medical management with antibiotics if infection is present.
- Interventions like chest tube drainage or surgery may be needed based on fistula size and symptoms.
- Care involves pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons.
Follow-up and prognosis
- Requires close monitoring and supportive care. Recovery depends on lung health and fistula severity.

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Answered 10/09/2025

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I'm really worried about my father. About ten days ago, he had a fever, but thankfully, it's been gone for the last five days. However, his SpO2 levels are really concerningthey drop to around 52-55 when he's sleeping and are only 85-92 while he's awake, no matter whether it's day or night. He's been snoring for years now. He weighs about 90 kg. His HRCT done on May 7th showed a score of 1125. He doesn't have any other symptoms like coughing, headache, body pain, or loss of taste or smell. Currently, he's taking Megmacer 1gm, Pdsolon 40, Alcorab 20, and Megclid. What should I do?

I recommend continuing with these medications. Additionally, to help improve his breathing and oxygen levels, I suggest adding a bronchodilator like Seroflo inhaler twice a day and a CPAP machine for his snoring and sleep apnea. It would also be beneficial for him to consult with a pulmonologist for further evaluation and management of his respiratory issues. Regular monitoring of his Spo2 levels and follow-up with healthcare provider is essential to ensure his condition improves.