Breathlessness

Feeling breathless is a common symptom during an acute Covid infection. Doing activities as simple as getting dressed may leave you feeling short of breath. For most people the feelings of breathlessness will improve as they recover. People who experience Long Covid may continue to experience episodes of breathlessness for weeks or months. Feeling breathless can make you feel anxious, which in turn can make you feel more breathless.

How can our Chartered Physiotherapists help?

Your physiotherapist can teach you positions that allow your breathing muscles to work better and make you feel less short of breath. Sitting leaning forward or standing leaning forward on to a support may make it easier to breath. Some people recovering from Covid find lying on your front can help. Only use this position if it feels comfortable and helps your breathing. Your physiotherapist can teach you breathing control exercises. For example:

Relaxed Tummy Breathing?

This breathing technique can help if you are breathless after being active. It may also help you feel more relaxed if you are feeling anxious. You should try and practice it when you are relaxed, to make it more effective when you are feeling breathless.

Make sure you are in a comfortable position. Place one hand on your tummy. Feel the tummy rise as you breathe in and relax down as you breathe out. Breathe gently when practising; there should only be a slight movement of your tummy at rest.

Breathe low and slow, relax, let go

If you have a tendency to breathe with small, fast breaths from the top of our chest, you may find taking slower, deeper breaths from your tummy helps to ease breathlessness.

Remember

If you feel that your breathlessness is getting worse, please contact your GP.

If you are suffering with long-covid and would like to speak to one of our chartered Physiotherapists call us on 021-4633455 or book an appointment now. We hope you enjoyed this blog from Louise O’Hare, Chartered Physiotherapist.

This blog is provided for information purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Seek the advice of your doctor with any queries regarding a medical condition.