COVID-19 can cause shortness of breath, a recognized symptom of the illness. This sensation varies in intensity, with some individuals describing it as feeling unable to catch their breath or take a deep inhale. While not everyone who contracts the virus will experience this symptom, it can range from mild discomfort managed at home to a severe condition requiring hospital treatment. The duration and severity of breathlessness can differ significantly, reflecting the wide spectrum of COVID-19 presentations.
How COVID-19 Impacts Respiration
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for COVID-19, primarily targets the respiratory system, leading to shortness of breath. It infects cells lining the airways, from the nose and throat down to the deepest parts of the lungs. In the lungs, the virus triggers an inflammatory response, causing pneumonia.
This inflammation leads to fluid and immune cell accumulation in the alveoli, the tiny air sacs responsible for oxygen exchange. This buildup impairs the lungs’ ability to effectively transfer oxygen into the bloodstream and remove carbon dioxide. The resulting lack of oxygen to the body’s tissues causes breathlessness. Severe lung damage can result in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), a serious condition where the lungs cannot provide sufficient oxygen, often requiring intensive medical intervention.
When Shortness of Breath Occurs
Shortness of breath from COVID-19 usually appears later, not as an initial symptom. For many, breathlessness develops around 5 to 8 days after other symptoms like fever or cough. This indicates it’s often a later manifestation of the acute infection.
For some, breathlessness can persist long after the initial infection, a phenomenon associated with “Long COVID.” This post-acute phase can see breathlessness lingering for weeks or months, impacting daily activities. While most improve within weeks and many recover fully within 12 weeks, some experience this symptom for 2 to 3 months on average, or up to a year.
Recognizing Warning Signs
Monitoring shortness of breath is important, as its severity can change and may indicate a need for immediate medical attention. Signs suggesting serious breathlessness requiring urgent medical care include persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, or difficulty waking up or staying awake. Other indicators are bluish lips or face, signaling a lack of oxygen, or severe difficulty breathing that appears suddenly or worsens rapidly. If breathlessness disrupts daily activities, occurs with minimal or no activity, or is accompanied by symptoms like high fever and chills, seek prompt medical evaluation. Do not delay contacting a healthcare provider if these warning signs appear.
Strategies for Managing Breathlessness
Several strategies can help manage breathlessness due to COVID-19 and support recovery. Adopting specific body positions can ease breathing; for instance, leaning forward while sitting, standing, or lying on your side can make it easier to catch your breath. Some find relief by lying on their front, using pillows for comfort under the chest or pelvis.
Pacing activities throughout the day is also helpful to prevent exacerbating breathlessness, involving regular breaks and stopping before feeling overly winded. Simple breathing exercises, such as pursed-lip breathing, can help regulate breathing patterns and reduce breathlessness. Staying adequately hydrated and ensuring sufficient rest are important for overall recovery and managing symptoms. For persistent breathlessness, healthcare providers may recommend pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which offer structured exercises and education to improve lung function and reduce breathlessness.