Welcome to Mayo Connect. We are a community of people living with a wide variety of conditions, who share our experiences and help each other on our journeys. We are not, medical professionals so we cannot provide diagnosis or medical advice, we merely share our successes, failures and suggestions.

I invite to take a look at the many posts and discussions in our Lung Health group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/lung-conditions/tab/discussions/) and the MAC & Bronchiectasis group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/mac-bronchiectasis/) to connect with people who have symptoms like yours.

"Small airways disease", if I understand it correctly, is a non-specific diagnosis that says "there is something wrong but it's not asthma, COPD, etc..." While there may be some tendency for people in the same family to develop bronchiectasis due to genetic similarities and common underlying conditions, it is not considered a hereditary disease, so please don't assume you have it without specific diagnosis. It has its own characteristics on imaging, and can be diagnosed specifically by an experienced radiologist or pulmonologist, and even by some primary care practitioners.

It is a really good idea to get a more specific diagnosis and prognosis, based on your personal medical history, underlying conditions, overall health and age. This is especially important since you had Covid pneumonia, which carries its own set of long-term symptoms, and as-yet incompletely understood risks.

Have you made an appointment to see a pulmonologist for a more specific diagnosis? Do you have access to a pulmonologist through your regular physician, or a specialty practice in your area?

In the meantime, it would be premature for anyone to offer advice beyond a healthy diet, exercise as tolerated, and adequate rest. Let us know what you find out.

Sue