When to worry about shortness of breath with COVID-19

COVID-19 may cause breathlessness alongside fever, cough, tiredness, or chest discomfort. Symptoms can change over time, and breathlessness can reflect infection affecting the lungs. Other problems, such as asthma, pneumonia, or a heart condition, can feel similar. A home oxygen reading, if you have been advised to use one, should be interpreted with your clinician's instructions rather than in isolation.

Rest, sit upright, drink fluids if you can, and avoid strenuous activity. Follow the treatment and isolation advice given by your healthcare team. Keep your phone nearby and tell someone if breathing is becoming harder. Arrange prompt clinical advice when breathlessness is new, steadily worsening, or interfering with walking, eating, or speaking.

Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, inability to speak in full sentences, blue or grey lips, new confusion, fainting, or persistent chest pressure. Seek urgent same-day advice for breathlessness at rest, rapid deterioration, or inability to keep fluids down. Mention your COVID-19 diagnosis, symptom changes, medicines, and any relevant medical conditions.

Ask what change in breathing should trigger a call, whether you should monitor oxygen at home, and which readings or symptoms matter together. Ask whether your medicines need review and how to obtain help if symptoms worsen outside normal clinic hours.