Hushing the Cytokine Storm in COVID-19 with Dr. Raymond Chang

Our immune system is our body’s natural defense system that fights against foreign invaders such as viruses like Coronavirus. When this immune system overreacts, it leads to chronic inflammation and damages multiple organs – often resulting in death.Post-COVID syndrome or long COVID is a long-term effect that you can generally have from COVID-19. It may happen that you already survived the virus, however, it doesn’t mean that the damage has already gone.How is this connected to the Cytokine storm?Let’s learn about that in this episode with Dr. Raymond Chang, a Medical Director of South County Kidney and Endocrine Center and Chairman of the Orange County Endocrine Society, who was also once a COVID “Long-Hauler”.Memorable Quotes:When the virus is getting through a cytokine storm, your immune system becomes even stronger to the point where your body doesn't recognize the virus. As a result, your body attacks the virus and your normal self, as well. — Dr. Raymond ChangCOVID virus enters the body through a receptacle called H2 receptors, which are more abundant in overweight patients. This is why overweight patients are more at risk for COVID-19. — Dr. Raymond ChangWhen the virus is gone, the damage remains. — Dr. Dung TrinhBe strong and hang in there. The virus in your body will die and once it dies, you’re going to be able to recover. So hang in there as long as you can. — Dr. Raymong ChangThere is something about the human body that if you mentally fight to hold on, you got a better chance than if you just give up and say, “I'm gone”. — Paul RobertsOther Resources: South County Kidney and Endocrine CenterImportant Points:Endocrinology is the study of hormonesInterleukin 6 is a marker blood test to measure your body's inflammatory state.Inflammation is part of the immune system's response to fight viruses, bacteria, or toxins.Chronic long-term inflammation or inflammation that is excessive damages your own body. The blood-brain barrier is an actual barrier that is designed to protect your brain from everything else that's potentially dangerous in your body.About the Guests:Raymond K.J. Chang, M.D. is the Medical Director of South County Kidney and Endocrine Center. He is a Diplomate of the American College of Endocrinology, Nephrology, Internal Medicine, and Hospital Physicians. He’s also currently the Chairman of the Orange County Endocrine Society and is the author and Editor-Chief of a National Internal Medicine Board Review book. He is a national speaker for current treatments and therapies pertaining to Diabetes, Lipids, and Chronic Kidney Disease. His philosophy is to treat every patient as if they were his own family member; hence, is always an advocate for his patient's healthcare.About the Host:Dung Trinh, MD is the Chief Medical Officer of Irvine Clinical Research, medical missionary with TongueOut Medical Missions, and holds leadership positions with multiple health care organizations in Orange County. He is a keynote speaker, best-selling author, and Host of “Health Talks with Dr. Trinh” which can be heard weekly on OC Talk Radio.Connect with Dr. TrinhHealthTalks OC WebsiteTongue OutFacebookLinkedInYoutube