Shortness of breath occurs in 12% of cases 7 to 9 months after infection and in 8.9% at 12 months. With the Omicron variant, shortness of breath is reported in 2.8% of cases 3 months after primary infection.
Shortness of breath, sometimes described as a feeling of tightness in the throat, limits a person’s daily activities and decreases his or her physical performance and capabilities. It can also be associated to a change of voice.
It is important to note that pre-existing asthma is a risk factor that may cause symptoms to persist for longer.
Investigations should also be carried out for cardiac, pulmonary and neurological symptoms, fatigue and symptoms of anxiety.
How do we test for it ?
Pulmonologists usually perform a complete assessment including pulmonary function tests. Investigations for hyperventilation syndrome (respiratory discomfort with accelerated ventilation) are recommended if symptoms persist beyond 3 months and no other underlying cause is identified.
How is it treated ?
Respiratory therapy with education as well as diaphragmatic/cardiac coherence breathing exercises may be useful in the treatment of post-COVID breathlessness.
Treatment with inhalers or corticosteroids is indicated only in cases of underlying respiratory disease.
In case of changes in the voice, a treatment with a speech therapist may be indicated.
In case of voice change or shortness of breath that does not improve with respiratory physiotherapy, an additional treatment with speech therapy can be considered.
