- Several colleagues around the country have testified about the same. I think the Council to stay at home has become too universal. We have patients who have been repeatedly asked to stay at home despite several symptoms of very serious illness, says Kai Knudsen, associate professor and IVA physician at Sahlgrenska Hospital.
Dangerous advice in the second phase of the disease
He thinks it is a good call at the beginning of the disease but that it is a dangerous advice in the second phase when you become seriously ill.
- The serious symptoms often come after day 10. Then you should check if you have low oxygen saturation and if you have developed the more severe form of pneumonia that may require respiratory care.
How bad are these patients once they get to the hospitals?
- Several patients, both in Gothenburg and in other cities, have had to be intubated immediately. Acid saturation has been at 60 percent and even 40 percent, which is immediately life-threatening.
What do you think is the explanation for these patients receiving incorrect advice from the healthcare system?
- Of course, it is very difficult for healthcare professionals to detect all serious cases by phone. But if you have significant shortness of breath, rapid breathing or other signs of lack of oxygen, you should be allowed to go to a hospital for examination or at least get a doctor's assessment at home. You are entitled to that.
Careful control is needed
Can hidden oxygen deficiency, so-called silent hypoxia, be an explanation for patients being too alert when they call and ask for help?
- Yes, in some cases. Especially younger people can compensate for lack of oxygenation with rapid breathing for some time. Hyperventilation can easily be overlooked if you do not check carefully. Too long a period of hyperventilation and increased breathing work can lead to fatigue and collapse.
- It is dangerous to stay in the home for too long when you are seriously ill in covid-19. It is better to go once too much than once too little, states Kai Knudsen.