Long COVID and breathlessness: an overview

Abstract

This article offers a review of what is known so far about post-acute covid-19 and the underlying pathophysiology related to this condition. The main focus will be on the respiratory symptoms. It will then explore how community nurses can monitor and support patients with symptoms of breathlessness with a supporting discussion of the current recommendations for the management and treatment of patients presenting with symptoms of breathlessness. Palliation of symptoms will be highlighted but managing the supportive care needs for patients affected by COVID-19 and nearing the end of life is outside the scope of this article.

Post‐COVID-19 syndrome: assessment of short- and long-term post-recovery symptoms in recovered cases in Saudi Arabia

“…COVID‐19 disease can lead to pulmonary complications such as fibrosis, cough, and bronchiectasis. Long‐term dyspnea is one of the feared long-term outcomes of COVID‐19 disease [ 38 ]. In accordance with our study, Moreno‐Pérez et al assessed 277 patients in follow-up clinic 10–14 weeks after the onset of infection and they observed post‐COVID syndrome in almost half of the COVID-19 patients, and < 25% had abnormal radiological changes [ 29 ].…”

The 6-Minute Walk Test: Indications and Guidelines for Use in Outpatient Practices

“…7 , 19 The recent pandemic has created a relatively new patient population that requires assessment and evaluation for hypoxemia and further management as these individuals recover from COVID-19 pneumonia. 11 , 13 , 14 It may require the guideline addition of the diagnosis of COVID-19 as an indication for use for those patients who have had COVID-19 pneumonia with prolonged symptoms of pulmonary compromise.…”

“…Hypoxemia and oxygen need are defined by the CMS and include provider evaluation, timing of determination of oxygen need, and supporting clinical criteria. 6 , 7 , 13 , 15 , 18 In an era of limited health care and—often limited personal resources—appropriate use and burden of cost need to be addressed to provide maximum benefit to the patient and practices involved. Awareness of the definitions, elements, and documentation required for recognition and reimbursement by insurance providers allows optimal benefit while minimizing out-of-pocket costs for patients and providers.…”

“…1 , 2 , 4 , 5 A newer application of the 6MWT is noted for patients who have had COVID-19 pneumonia with prolonged respiratory symptoms. 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 …”

Reactogenicity of COVID-19 Vaccines in Patients With a History of COVID-19 Infection: A Survey Conducted in Pakistan

“…Moreover, it was observed that prior history of infection was not linked to greater severity of all the self-reported side effects produced after the vaccination except breathlessness (p < 0.05). Although there is no clear explanation, participants with previous infections might have been suffering from long COVID-19 or persistent breathlessness after acute infection, which might have worsened after being vaccinated [ 24 , 25 ]. None of the participants with prior history of COVID-19 infection developed any severe side effects or required hospital care.…”