Back Pain and Shortness of Breath: Could It Be COVID-19?

COVID-19 can cause respiratory symptoms, tiredness, fever, cough, and muscle aches, including discomfort in the back. Similar symptoms can occur with acute bronchitis, asthma, COPD, or other chest infections. Anaemia may contribute to breathlessness and fatigue, while angina can cause chest discomfort that may spread to the back. Anaphylaxis is a rapid allergic reaction that may cause breathing difficulty with swelling, hives, or throat tightness. Back pain itself may also be muscular and unrelated to the breathing symptom.

Stop strenuous activity and sit upright if breathing feels difficult. Check whether you also have fever, cough, chest pressure, wheezing, blue or grey lips, or unusual drowsiness. If infection is possible, follow local testing and isolation advice and avoid exposing vulnerable people while unwell. Arrange prompt clinical advice if breathlessness is new, worsening, or present with a medical condition such as asthma or COPD. Do not rely on the location of back pain to judge how serious breathing symptoms are.

Call emergency services for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, inability to speak in full sentences, fainting, confusion, blue or grey lips, sudden chest pressure, or swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. Urgent assessment is also needed for coughing blood, sudden sharp chest or upper-back pain, or a very fast heartbeat with breathlessness. A mild, stable ache with a cold-like illness still deserves medical advice if it does not improve or if breathing becomes harder.

Could this be COVID-19 or another chest condition? Do I need an examination, oxygen check, or testing? Which symptoms should send me to emergency care? How should I manage pain while watching my breathing? Could my medicines or an existing lung or heart problem affect the risk?