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Publisher: Peytchinski Publishing Ltd.
ISSN: 1312-773X (Online)
Issue: 2026, vol. 32, issue3
Subject Area: Medicine
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DOI: 10.5272/jimab.2026323.6971
Published online: 13 July 2026
Review article
J of IMAB. 2026 Jul-Sep;32(3):6971-6978
PULMONARY FIBROSIS AFTER COVID-19 – RISK FACTORS, MECHANISMS, THERAPEUTIC OPTIONS AND FOLLOW-UP
Zlatina Ivanova
, Nikolay Kyuchukov, Yavor Ivanov,
Clinic of Pulmonology and Phthisiatry, Medical Faculty, Medical University Pleven, UMHAT Dr G. Stranski, Pleven, Bulgaria.
ABSTRACT:
The Covid-19 pandemic passed several years ago, but a significant proportion of people still suffer its consequences. Physicians face the difficult task of managing these consequences, monitoring their patients over time, and the need to apply an individual-specific approach. In this article, the main risk factor and mechanisms for developing post-COVID fibrosis are discussed. The available therapeutic options for preventing and treating of that type of fibrosis are summarized. The need for follow-up of these patients is emphasized. Basic guidelines and optimal time intervals for their follow-up are presented.
Keywords: Pulmonary fibrosis, COVID-19, risk factors,
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Please cite this article as: Ivanova Z, Kyuchukov N, Ivanov Y. Pulmonary fibrosis after COVID-19 – risk factors, mechanisms, therapeutic options and follow-up. J of IMAB. 2026 Jul-Sep;32(3):6971-6978. [Crossref - 10.5272/jimab.2026323.6971]
Correspondence to: Zlatina Ivanova, Clinic of Pulmonology and Phthysiatry, UMHAT Dr G. Stranski, Pleven; 81, Gen. Vl. Vazov Str., Pleven, Bulgaria. E-mail: zlati.dikova@gmail.com
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Received: 07 November 2025
Published online: 13 July 2026