Breathing difficulties (dyspnea) are a common symptom of COVID-19, often caused by inflammation of the airways and lung tissue. While the strategies provided here offer supportive measures for managing breathlessness at home, they are not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Anyone experiencing severe or worsening symptoms should immediately seek medical care.
Immediate Relief: Positioning and Acute Techniques
Physical positioning can significantly reduce the work of breathing by allowing the lungs to expand more effectively. Proning involves lying on the stomach to help redistribute air and blood flow to less-affected areas of the lungs. To perform this safely, use pillows to support the body: place one under the shins, several under the pelvis or hips, and one under the head or upper chest to keep the diaphragm unrestricted. Maintain this position for 30 minutes up to two hours, changing position if discomfort arises.
When sitting up, leaning forward can also provide relief by fixing the shoulders and arms, which helps accessory breathing muscles function better. This is often called the tripod position. Sit on a chair and lean forward onto a table with the head resting on a pillow. Alternatively, stand and lean forward, bracing the arms on a sturdy surface like a kitchen counter.
Pursed-lip breathing is a simple technique that immediately helps slow the breath and keep airways open. Relax the neck and shoulder muscles while sitting comfortably. Slowly inhale through the nose for a few seconds, then exhale slowly and gently through pursed lips, as if whistling or blowing out a candle. This generates back pressure in the airways, preventing them from collapsing prematurely and allowing trapped air to escape, which reduces shortness of breath.
Monitoring and Supportive Home Care
Monitoring oxygen saturation objectively tracks how well the lungs are functioning from home. A pulse oximeter is a small device that clips onto a finger and uses light to estimate the percentage of oxygen in the blood (SpO2). For an accurate reading, the hand should be warm, free of nail polish, and rested at chest level for a minimum of five minutes before measurement.
Once the oximeter is attached, wait until the reading stabilizes for at least five seconds before recording the result. The device displays the oxygen saturation percentage (SpO2) and the pulse rate (PR or BPM). A reading of 95% or higher is considered healthy for most individuals.
It is possible to feel breathless even when the oxygen saturation reading is normal, often due to anxiety or airway inflammation. Conversely, some individuals experience dangerously low oxygen levels without feeling short of breath, a condition called “silent hypoxia.” Using a cool-mist humidifier helps keep airways moist. Staying adequately hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus, making it easier to clear from the lungs.
Recognizing Critical Emergency Signs
While home management is appropriate for mild symptoms, certain signs signal the need for immediate medical attention. A sustained drop in oxygen saturation is a clear red flag. Contact a healthcare provider if the reading is consistently 94% or less, as this indicates a concerning trend. A reading that is consistently 92% or lower requires urgent care.
Physical symptoms of severe respiratory distress are equally important markers for emergency care. These include a sudden inability to speak full sentences without pausing for breath or severe, constant chest pain. Signs of mental confusion, an inability to stay awake, or a bluish discoloration around the lips, face, or nail beds indicate dangerously low oxygen levels and require an immediate call for emergency services.
Rebuilding Lung Function Post-Recovery
After the acute illness, many people experience lingering fatigue and reduced lung stamina, requiring gradual rehabilitation. Diaphragmatic breathing, or belly breathing, strengthens the primary muscle of respiration. To perform this, lie down or sit comfortably with one hand on the chest and the other on the abdomen.
Inhale deeply through the nose, causing the hand on the abdomen to rise while the hand on the chest remains relatively still. Exhalation should be slow and controlled, allowing the abdomen to fall gently. This technique promotes more efficient use of the lungs. Physical activity should be resumed in a carefully paced manner, starting with gentle movements like stretching or controlled walking. Gradually increasing the duration and intensity of activity over weeks allows the lungs and body to recover strength and stamina without risking setbacks.