One of the very first signs of a possible COVID-19 infection includes Dry Cough along with Sore / Itchy throat, Fever, etc. In absence of an anti-COVID-19 treatment, supportive treatment is important1. Fully understanding the characteristics of COVID-19-related ARDS is conducive to early identification and precise treatment2. Earlier the treatment starts better will be the prognosis of the disease.
Human SARS-CoV-2 virus, causing COVID-19 leads to dreaded course due to cytokine storm in lung tissue, leading to fatality1. One thing is crystal clear that fatal course of COVID-19 is the result of mature immune response and resultant cytokine storm, leading to fatal lung injury1.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
COVID-19 can lead to fatal co-morbidities especially, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)2. Of the people who do survive ARDS, some recover completely while others experience lasting damage to their lungs3.
Elderly population is otherwise deficient in Niacin, putting them at increased risk of tissue injury due to COVID-19 and poor recovery of tissue damage1. Further, aging leads to slower metabolism and reduced absorption of dietary niacin1. Niacin supplementation will help them in restoring damaged tissue1.
Niacinamide, due to its cytoprotective and antioxidant properties could play a vital role. Since Niacinamide is highly lung protective, it should be used as soon as coughing begins4. To prevent this irreversible damage to the lung tissue, Niacinamide is required in large doses, especially in the elderly.
ORAFLORA Tablet contains Niacinamide (100mg) besides Riboflavine (10mg), and Folic acid (1.5mg) along with Lactic acid bacillus. ORAFLORA is a TRUSTED brand of clinicians across India with a legacy of 33-years. Therefore, in such patients with Cough, co-prescribing ORAFLORA Tablets 3-4 tablets a day for at least 14 to 15 days could ensure better prognosis and protection of the lungs.
References
- Gharote MA. Role of poly (ADP) ribose polymerase-1 inhibition by nicotinamide as a possible additive treatment to modulate host immune response and prevention of cytokine storm in COVID-19. Indian J Med Sci. 2020 Apr 30;72(1):25–8. doi: 10.25259/IJMS_29_2020. PMCID: PMC7217270.
- Li X, Ma X. Acute respiratory failure in COVID-19: is it “typical” ARDS? Crit Care. 2020 May 6;24(1):198. doi: 10.1186/s13054-020-02911-9. PMID: 32375845; PMCID: PMC7202792.
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ards/symptoms-causes/syc-20355576
- Shi Y, Wang Y, Shao C, Huang J, Gan J, Huang X, Bucci E, Piacentini M, Ippolito G, Melino G. COVID-19 infection: the perspectives on immune responses. Cell Death Differ. 2020 May;27(5):1451-1454. doi: 10.1038/s41418-020-0530-3. Epub 2020 Mar 23. PMID: 32205856; PMCID: PMC7091918.
