What should you know about post covid shortness of breath?

Breathlessness may follow inflammation, reduced fitness, airway irritation or changes in breathing after an infection. It can also reflect another problem, such as asthma, anaemia, heart rhythm disturbance or a clot, so the symptom cannot identify one cause by itself. Notice whether it occurs at rest or with activity, whether lying down changes it, and whether cough, chest pain, wheeze, palpitations, fever or swollen legs occur with it.

Arrange a clinical review if breathlessness continues, limits usual activity or is not steadily improving. A clinician may check oxygen level, pulse, breathing, heart and lungs, then decide whether tests or breathing rehabilitation are appropriate. Pace tasks, take breaks before exhaustion, use a comfortable upright position and return to activity gradually. Avoid smoking and ask before changing inhalers or starting breathing exercises if they trigger dizziness.

Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey lips, fainting, new confusion, or breathlessness with crushing chest pressure. Seek urgent assessment for sudden breathlessness, coughing blood, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, or one-sided leg swelling. Do not drive yourself if you are struggling to breathe or feel faint.

Ask what may be causing the breathlessness, whether your medicines or lungs need review, which activity level is suitable, and which changes should prompt urgent help. Tell the clinician about chest symptoms, wheeze, palpitations, fever, leg swelling and previous lung or heart disease.