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Long COVID - Managing Breathlessness
Understanding Breathlessness in Long COVID
Breathlessness, or dyspnea, is a common symptom experienced by individuals suffering from Long COVID, also referred to as post-COVID-19 syndrome. In the United Kingdom, numerous individuals are facing prolonged symptoms even weeks or months after the initial COVID-19 infection has subsided. This breathlessness can be distressing and may significantly impact one's quality of life. Understanding the underlying causes and learning how to manage this symptom is crucial for recovery.
Practical Strategies to Manage Breathlessness
There are several strategies that can help manage breathlessness for those living with Long COVID. Here are some practical tips:
- Pacing Activities: Gradually increase activity levels. Avoid overexerting yourself and allow ample rest periods throughout the day.
- Breathing Techniques: Practice diaphragmatic breathing or pursed-lip breathing. These techniques can help improve ventilation and reduce breathlessness.
- Posture: Maintain an upright posture while sitting and use pillows for support. An elevated head and chest position can help make breathing easier.
- Hydration: Staying well-hydrated helps to keep the airways clear and can reduce the sensation of breathlessness.
- Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid factors that exacerbate breathlessness, such as allergens, pollutants, and smoke.
Seeking Professional Help
If breathlessness persists or worsens, it is essential to seek medical advice. In the UK, the NHS offers resources and support for individuals experiencing Long COVID symptoms. A healthcare professional may recommend pulmonary rehabilitation, which includes exercise training, education, and breathing techniques specifically designed to improve lung function and relieve breathlessness.
Emotional and Mental Well-being
Dealing with breathlessness can also affect mental health. Anxiety and stress can exacerbate the sensation of breathlessness. It is beneficial to practice relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or gentle yoga. Connecting with support groups, either online or in-person, can also provide emotional comfort and practical tips from others experiencing similar challenges.
Conclusion
Managing breathlessness associated with Long COVID requires a combination of practical strategies, professional help, and attention to mental well-being. By understanding the nature of breathlessness and utilizing available resources, individuals can improve their quality of life and work towards a better recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Long COVID?
Long COVID refers to symptoms that persist for weeks or months after the acute phase of a Covid-19 infection. It can affect many systems of the body and is sometimes referred to as post-COVID-19 syndrome.
How common is breathlessness in Long COVID?
Breathlessness is one of the more common symptoms reported by people suffering from Long COVID. It can vary in severity from mild to debilitating.
Why do people experience breathlessness with Long COVID?
Breathlessness in Long COVID can stem from various factors, including lung damage, inflammation, blood clots, heart problems, and deconditioning from prolonged inactivity.
What self-care strategies can help manage breathlessness at home?
Self-care strategies include practicing breathing exercises, pacing yourself, avoiding triggers, keeping hydrated, and using relaxation techniques like mindfulness or meditation.
Are there specific breathing exercises for Long COVID breathlessness?
Yes, exercises like diaphragmatic breathing, pursed-lip breathing, and paced breathing can improve breath control and reduce breathlessness.
When should I seek medical advice for breathlessness?
You should seek medical advice if you have severe breathlessness, chest pain, a high fever, or if your breathlessness is getting worse.
Can physical therapy help with managing breathlessness?
Yes, physical therapy can be very beneficial. A physiotherapist can provide tailored exercises to improve lung function and overall fitness.
What medications are available for Long COVID breathlessness?
Your doctor may prescribe medications such as inhalers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or anticoagulants, depending on the underlying cause of your breathlessness.
How important is regular follow-up with healthcare providers?
Regular follow-up is crucial for monitoring symptoms, adjusting treatment plans, and addressing any new or worsening symptoms.
Can diet impact my breathlessness?
A balanced diet can support overall health, but there is no specific diet to alleviate breathlessness. Staying hydrated and avoiding heavy meals may help some individuals.
Is it safe to exercise with Long COVID?
Exercise can be beneficial but should be approached cautiously. Start gently, listen to your body, and increase activity levels gradually. Consulting a healthcare professional before starting is advised.
Are there any support groups for people with Long COVID?
Yes, various support groups and online communities are available where individuals can share experiences and tips for managing symptoms.
Can psychological therapies help with breathlessness?
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and other psychological therapies can help manage anxiety and stress, which in turn can reduce the sensation of breathlessness.
What lifestyle changes might help with managing Long COVID symptoms?
Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, regular gentle exercise, and practising stress relief techniques can help manage symptoms.
Where can I find reliable information about Long COVID?
NHS websites, reputable health organisations, and medical professionals are good sources for reliable information about Long COVID. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Useful Links
Useful links from: Tips for breathlessness | NHS
- Tips for managing breathlessness - NHS NHS guide on treatment options and lifestyle changes to help manage and reduce breathlessness.
- British Lung Foundation - Managing Breathlessness Advice and tips from the British Lung Foundation on how to manage breathlessness effectively.
- Asthma + Lung UK - Breathlessness Asthma + Lung UK's comprehensive advice on dealing with breathlessness, including when to seek medical help.
- Marie Curie - Helping manage breathlessness Marie Curie's resource for terminal illness patients on managing breathlessness, including practical tips and coping strategies.
Useful links from: How to retrain your breathing | Part 2 | Asthma, long covid or breathlessness
- NHS - Breathing exercises for asthma This page on the NHS website provides breathing exercises to help you if you have asthma. These exercises can help you manage your symptoms.
- Asthma UK - Breathing exercises for asthma Asthma UK provides a guide on breathing exercises for people with asthma. These exercises can help reduce asthma symptoms and improve quality of life.
- British Lung Foundation - Breathing control exercises The British Lung Foundation offers information on breathing control exercises to help manage breathlessness. This can be beneficial for individuals with asthma or long COVID.
- NHS - Long COVID: ways to help your recovery This NHS page covers ways to aid recovery from long COVID, including various breathing exercises to help manage ongoing symptoms like breathlessness.
Useful links from: Breathlessness after COVID-19 - helpful techniques
- NHS: Breathing exercises for breathlessness This NHS page provides useful breathing exercises to help alleviate breathlessness, including techniques that can ease long-term effects of COVID-19.
- British Lung Foundation: Managing breathlessness The British Lung Foundation offers advice and techniques for managing breathlessness specifically for individuals experiencing long COVID.
- Asthma UK: Managing breathlessness after COVID-19 Asthma UK provides detailed information and strategies to manage post-COVID breathlessness, tailored for those with asthma and respiratory conditions.
- NHS: Your COVID Recovery - Breathlessness Your COVID Recovery, an NHS resource, offers a comprehensive guide on coping with breathlessness after COVID-19, including practical advice and techniques.
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- Ergsy carfully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
- Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
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- To turn on Captions, click settings .
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