COVID short of breath: what to know

Breathlessness may feel like air hunger, chest tightness, or difficulty completing a sentence. A viral infection can inflame the breathing tubes and the lung tissue, while fever and fatigue can make ordinary activity feel harder. The symptom can also occur with other conditions, including asthma, acute bronchitis, COPD, anaemia, or heart problems such as angina.

The sensation alone cannot show how much the lungs are affected. Pay attention to whether it is present at rest, appears with gentle movement, or is getting worse over time.

Rest, sit upright, and avoid strenuous activity while you are breathless. Sip fluids if you can, and follow the treatment plan given for COVID-19 or any existing lung condition. Do not start antibiotics, steroids, or someone else’s inhaler without clinical advice. If you have a pulse oximeter, record readings with the time and your symptoms, but do not delay help because a device reading seems reassuring.

Seek emergency help now if breathing is severely difficult, you cannot speak in full sentences, your lips or face look blue or grey, you become confused, faint, or unusually drowsy, or you develop sudden chest pain. Arrange urgent medical review if breathlessness is new, steadily worsening, present while resting, or stopping you from walking across a room. A clinician can examine your breathing and decide whether tests or treatment are needed.

Ask: Could this breathing change be from COVID-19 or another condition? What symptoms should make me seek emergency help? Should I use or adjust any prescribed inhaler? How should I monitor my breathing at home?