Coronavirus: Why breathlessness and fatigue are two most common post-COVID symptoms

Depending on the severity of your condition, recovery from COVID-19 can take a lot of time, and leave you with lingering symptoms.

Dubbed ‘post-COVID’, or ‘long COVID’, it is estimated that nearly 75% of patients complain of prolonged signs and symptoms for weeks or months after making a full recovery (testing COVID negative). Long haulers, as they are being called, can experience mild to severe symptoms. However, there have been two most reported symptoms - which can be a cause of worry…

A dip in oxygen saturation levels is considered to be a sign of alarm for COVID patients, requiring critical support. Oxygen levels dip as the viral load continues to unleash its wrath on the body's respiratory linings and compromising functionality. However, for some, breathlessness and low oxygen saturation can continue to occur, even after the virus diminishes from the body. The same was also prevalent in a controlled study done by JAMA (Journal of American Medical Association) and a group of doctors from Italy.

Problems associated with breathing trouble have become so common that patients are requiring assisted oxygen support for prolonged weeks to balance breathing and support vital functions. Recovered patients are also thronging back to COVID clinics, complaining of similar respiratory ailments, regardless of mild or severe symptoms.

Along with breathlessness, fatigue and tiredness ail COVID recovered patients. Those who experience it call it a sort of fatigue like no other. Again, it is most likely a consequence of the rapid multiplication and spread of the SARS-COV-2 virus in the body, slowing down functions. Severe and frequent fatigue can also hit patients who have had a mild brush with COVID.

Post-COVID fatigue has also been characterized by lethargy, muscle ache, pain, dullness and severe weakness and exhaustion.

While there are other post COVID symptoms which raise red flags, ultimately, these are the only two symptoms, which take the most time to recover and make a person experience delays in resuming back to normal life.

While the two symptoms have been predominantly seen in patients who had some form of co-morbidity, cases of severe fatigue, dip in oxygen saturation levels and breathlessness have also been witnessed in people suffering from mild COVID, no matter whether they were young or old.

While there is no one reason for the two symptoms to strike, we do know that novel coronavirus can launch a multi-pronged attack on the respiratory system (chest, lungs) as well as render the immune system deficient. COVID attack can also ruin the healthy cells along with the lung linings, making you prone to infections, breathing issues and in some cases, can even cause scarring. Researchers have also now found that the virus could impact the respiratory system in a big way, and cause problems like lung fibrosis, in the long term, even in the healthiest of patients. Infections, such as pneumonia can also cause these symptoms in the long run.

Symptoms of lung fibrosis, at the earliest level, could also impose problems in regular breathing and impact the blood oxygen levels in the body. Hence, some patients are asked to continue using oxygen support machines (oxygen cylinders, concentrators) for a while post recovery to regain regular strength.

Studies have also suggested that breathlessness and fatigue can also be the reason as to why some people may take a very long time to 'fully' recover from COVID-19, no matter how minute or severe the symptoms are.

For some, a lingering viral load, no matter how better they feel may pose problems for the body. Viral replication, in the early days of sickness, can also lead to premature ageing of cells and slow down recovery time. Widespread inflammation caused by the virus can continue to unload problems for a person, months after and require continuous monitoring. There's also a growing fear that a change in season and air quality levels could make matters even more difficult, making people gasp for air.

However, while the virus has been spiking up cases for a little over ten months now, it would take a little while longer for us to guy grasp and understand the cause, and perhaps the solution to long COVID.

COVID may seem like a flu-like infection but mysteriously it can impair the body's vital functions and bring on complications. Hence, it's important to constantly monitor and evaluate your health, through the recovery process and after you test negative.

Doctors also suggest COVID+ patients have a 'recovery' plan configured. This is especially crucial for those who were hospitalized for treatment, have pre-existing health issues, or have frail immunity.

Respiration and breathing is a crucial life-supporting movement, and hence, shouldn't be taken lightly. People are asked to practice respiratory exercises, use breathing tubes to sustain vitals. Yogic asanas, meditation and making dietary changes which supports oxygen pump-up should be encouraged.

For the first few weeks of recovery, try and limit your activities which tend to tire you. It's important to resume life, but do not push yourself too hard.

Lastly, do remember that your body needs a lot of rest, care and nourishment to recover. Post-COVID care requires just as many precautions as COVID treatment plan. Prioritise your needs, seek support, go slow and follow medical advice for a timely recovery.