Long Covid and shortness of breath

Hi @www3, Not sure if you have tried using search on Connect but it's really easy to find others who have posted what has helped them with your question. Here's a search link you can scan through while you wait for members to respond - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/?search=Long+Covid+and+shortness+of+breath

I have not personally, but I would try to get a consult with a pulmonary rehab. You should have a pulmonologist if you are short of breath, as well.

I have shortness of breath, and this may sound crazy but I also have GERD.
I was in remission for acid reflux, but when my long covid showed up, my breathing became an issue. Anxiety caused me to focus on my breathing and that made it worse. I started back on Pepcid and I have much less pain and nausea in my esophagus. My breathing has improved. Also, I do breathing exercises as well. Hope you are able to get relieve. I know how uncomfortable shortness of breath can be.

I was the same no inhaler would work went to COVID clinic put on enerzair breezehaler

My main difficult symptom is SOB and racing heart at night. I wake up multiple times. I am working with two doctors and exploring the possibility of histamine intolerance or mast cell activating syndrome. I get through Covid okay, but then the SOB and racing heart starts up and lasts three months. I have had this three times. Trying antihistamines which seemed to help for a while. Now I am going to try probiotics. But that is me.

www, I hope since your note, you have looked into histamine intolerance as a possible cause of breathing difficulties.

mclelland1958, if your SOB was caused by histamine intolerance, the Pepcid may have helped by decreasing histamine going into the stomach. My doctor recommended it for me for this reason.

June 1, 2025
The good news is that other medical problems aside, this will improve over time. Takes about 18 months since last COVID-19 infection to see improvement in breathing says my doctor. (Of course, obesity is a factor, in nearly everything, smoking, second hand smoke, and insufficient exercise. You know the drill, sleep, nutrition, good friendships, work you love, etc.)

I have long COVID for 5 yrs and after stellate ganglion block lungs/upper chest tightness/shortness of breath mostly went away. Now, after being exposed to wildfire smoke 5 days (in Mexico, where there was no escaping it due to lack of sealed indoor environments and AC), my SOB is much worse, even though other respiratory symptoms from that exposure such as inflammation and cough are long gone. I am gasping for air some evenings and inhalers do not help...I think my body literally is not getting enough oxygen because that process is broken due to long-COVID; there is no lung constriction causing the issue so that's why inhalers don't work. I cannot get into pulmonology for 2 months. I want to try hyperbaric oxygen but am told pulmonologist is only way to do that. Wondering what do to in the meantime as I gasp for air most evenings.

Shortness of breath all too often!

S. Fishalow