What Can Be Done When Fish Already Have Ammonia Poisoning?

[NewBea]

I think my fish had suffered some ammonia poisoning. I listened to some of the advice from here already (50% water changes every day for the last 4 days; 2 days ago fish shop confirmed water quality to be 0 ammonia, 0.1 nitrite and 5 nitrate which must have improved since with the water changes)
So even if the water quality is fine now (or definitely on the mend) the fish are still behaving like they had ammonia poisoning: often swimming under the surface sort of gasping for air or hiding behind the plants. I have about a dozen fry as well which seem to be in a better shape. My questions:
- wouldn't the babies suffer first?
- what happens to the fish who have been exposed to ammonia? Do they get better or deteriorate and eventually die?
- is there anything I can do for them now to help?

 

[gilaesther]

I'm pretty sure the fish that have suffered from ammonia poisoning are subsequently far more likely to develop other diseases than fish that have never been poisoned from ammonia (and probably nitrite too).

Btw, nitrite is poison for them too.

 

[KCB]

I've read that their lifespans will be shortened but not sure what else has happened to them.

 

[NewBea]

I'm pretty sure the fish that have suffered from ammonia poisoning are subsequently far more likely to develop other diseases than fish that have never been poisoned from ammonia (and probably nitrite too).

Btw, nitrite is poison for them too.

Yes, I know that that's poisonous as well.
I hope they are going to be ok! Such a shame as they used to be so lovely and social - they used to come around to the glass when I went to checked them out and now they are mostly just hiding
I find it interesting though that the fry seem to be a lot better and they have a lot better appetite as well. You would think that they would be the first ones to be affected.