COVID-19 and Breathing Difficulties: Causes and Remedies
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing concern has emerged regarding the long-term effects of the virus. Known as 'long COVID', this condition is characterised by a range of symptoms that persist beyond the initial recovery period, often for weeks, months, or even years.
One of the most common symptoms of long COVID is fatigue, a profound, body-wide exhaustion that can severely impact daily activities, not just normal tiredness. Cognitive problems, often referred to as 'brain fog', are also prevalent, causing difficulties with memory, concentration, and thinking clearly. Respiratory issues such as shortness of breath and an ongoing cough are also frequently reported.
Long COVID can also lead to mental health symptoms like anxiety and depression, as well as muscle weakness, general pain or discomfort, dizziness, a racing heart, nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, and loss of smell or taste.
The duration of long COVID symptoms is typically defined as ongoing symptoms that last more than three months after initial COVID-19 infection and cannot be explained by another cause. Studies show that symptoms can still be present up to two years after infection for certain individuals, including risks for chronic conditions like diabetes and lung problems. Approximately 5-10% of people who get COVID-19 develop long COVID, and about one in ten still report symptoms six months post-infection.
Symptoms often fluctuate over time and can worsen with physical or mental exertion. Recovery timelines vary widely between individuals, and long COVID can significantly disrupt work, study, and quality of life.
Doctors may recommend pulmonary rehabilitation and breathing exercises, such as pursed-lip breathing and belly breathing, to help manage symptoms of shortness of breath in COVID-19. Lying in a prone position can also help relieve shortness of breath in some cases, particularly for those with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a complication of COVID-19.
It is important to note that shortness of breath in COVID-19 can range in intensity, from feeling always out of breath to continually gasping or struggling to catch breath. Emergency treatment may be necessary for individuals with COVID-19 who experience trouble breathing, persistent chest pressure or pain, a pale or bluish tint to their lips, face, or nails, confusion, or difficulty waking up or staying awake.
In summary, long COVID is a complex, multi-system condition with prolonged symptoms impacting diverse aspects of health and daily function. If you or someone you know is experiencing persistent symptoms after recovering from COVID-19, it is essential to seek medical care.
- Long COVID can include symptoms such as type 2 diabetes and lung problems, which are chronic conditions.
- Other medical-conditions like anxiety and depression can develop as part of long COVID.
- Despite initial recovery, symptoms of long COVID, like shortness of breath, can sometimes last for weeks, months, or even years.
- Psoriatic disease can be one of the multiple health-and-wellness issues linked to long COVID.
- The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) reports cases of NSCLC in some COVID-19 survivors, creating concerns for long-term cancer risks.
- Migraine symptoms, a common respiratory-conditions, have been linked to long COVID in some studies.
- Asthma, COPD, and other respiratory-conditions might worsen due to the long COVID complications.
- Hepatitis cases have been reported in COVID-19 patients, adding to the list of potential long-term effects.
- Digestive issues such as Crohn's disease and atopic dermatitis can also be associated with long COVID.
- Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis are two potential conditions that science is currently investigating for their connection to long COVID.
- Predictive models suggest a link between long COVID and an increased risk of depression, with some patients reporting prolonged feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
- Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis may flare up due to the stress caused by long COVID.
- Medical science is trying to better understand the long-term impacts of long COVID on health, including its effects on mental health and other chronic medical-conditions.
- On an optimistic note, maintaining good health, practicing wellness routines, and managing stress levels can help individuals cope with the potentially persistent effects of long COVID on their overall wellbeing.
