Breathing difficulties or changes

Many people with Long Covid experience changes in breathing. This can include breathlessness, chest tightness, soreness, or pain or burning in the chest.

What it can feel like

  • feeling short of breath during everyday activities (walking, stairs, talking)

  • needing to yawn or sigh frequently

  • a feeling of tightness or “air hunger”

  • breathlessness that worsens when upright, after exertion, or when stressed

  • cough or throat irritation

  • chest discomfort or burning

Breathing symptoms can also fluctuate, and may worsen after activity, poor sleep, infection, or post-exertional malaise (PEM).

Breathing pattern disorders

For some people, ongoing breathlessness can be linked to breathing pattern disorders (BPD). These are changes in the way someone breathes that can contribute to symptoms such as:

  • breathlessness

  • frequent sighing or yawning

  • dizziness or lightheadedness

  • chest tightness

  • feeling unable to take a satisfying breath

Apps and breathing exercises

Some people use breathing or HRV-based apps such as EliteHRV and MEO Health to support relaxation and autonomic regulation. If you try breathing exercises, go gently and stop if symptoms worsen.

RESOURCES

BMJ Practice Pointer: Breathing difficulties after Covid-19: a guide for primary care (useful to share with your GP or care team), C19-YRS: tips for managing breathlessness and cough, Long Covid Physio: information on breathlessness and breathing pattern disorders, Physiotherapy for BPD: guidance on breathing pattern disorders, English National Opera: Breathe programme (ask your GP or Long Covid clinic for a referral code)

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