Coronavirus: How to identify signs of shortness of breath and when you should rush for help - Times of India

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Coronavirus: How to identify signs of shortness of breath and when you should rush for help - Times of India Posted: 15 May 2021 10:30 PM PDT Breathing difficulties can be concerning, especially when you are battling an infection as critical as COVID-19. During the second wave of infections, when there has been a rampant rise in vital complications and severity, more and more patients are left gasping for breath and facing shortness of breath. Incidents of breathing difficulties and lowering oxygen levels have become too common. In times like this, as doctors say, it is doubly important-knowing the signs of attention, and when to seek help. But how exactly do you identify if your breathing issues are mild or need immediate medical attention? When exactly does shortness of breath become concerning? readmore 02/8What is shortness of breath? Shortness of breath is a condition when a person feels he or she is unable to grasp enough air to breathe normally or let out a normal breath. Medically, it is referred to as dyspnea or breathlessness. For a person, when shortness of breath occurs, it can feel like they cannot get enough air into their lungs, feel a tugging pain in their chest and induce respiratory issues. Not just COVID-19, but a lot many medical conditions can trigger shortness of breath, including asthma, chest infection, heart disease or even anxiety. However, when there's an active coronavirus infection spreading in the body, any breathing difficulty becomes a pressing cause of concern. With COVID, breathing difficulties can also escalate quickly and demand medical care. readmore 03/8Why is it a critical COVID-19 to be watched out for? Even though COVID-19 can make its presence felt on all parts of the body, the most profound damage is caused to the respiratory system. Feeling breathless, when you have COVID-19 can also be an indicator that your lungs have been infected. A person suffering from COVID-19 is at a higher risk for developing shortness of breath if they have a pre-existing respiratory illness, older in age, obese, diabetic or have a compromised immune system. readmore 04/8COVID shortness of breath could be mild or severe It's important to remember that breathing difficulties or breathlessness can occur even in mild COVID-19 cases, and may not always be concerning. However, it becomes serious or may need help if a person is suffering from COVID pneumonia. Early-stage lung involvement dimmed immune response can also make it difficult for vital organs to harness nutrients, and oxygen and induce further breathing complications. At any stage of infection, therefore, it is extremely important to be aware of warning signs of trouble and take remedial action accordingly. Here are some signs which may help you identify them, and seek help: readmore 05/8If you experience frequent breathing difficulties The most common sign of shortness of breath and breathing difficulties is taking slow, laboured breaths. If you find yourself gasping for air or experience frequent breathing difficulties in a day, it could be a sign of mild breathlessness associated with coronavirus and needs observation. Breathing difficulties could also be accompanied by bouts of chronic, persistent coughing. Do remember to keep monitoring your breathing and oxygen saturation levels. readmore 06/8If you have to break sentences to speak Short, laboured breathing frequently seen in a day along with the need to break sentences into shorter phrases, while speaking is a sign of moderate breathlessness. Such signs can be worrisome and shows that more acute attention to breathing is needed. At this stage, some patients may also benefit by incorporating some breathing exercises, lung strengthening moves. Proning position, which is a medically approved method to boost oxygenation in the body can also be tried to gain temporary relief. However, do not ignore medical help. External oxygen support may also be advised. readmore 07/8Frequent breaking of words, discolouration of face Severe breathlessness is a sign that a patient faces imminent danger and needs to be hospitalized at once. When a person is extremely breathless, he or she can suffer from low oxygen levels, hypoxia-like situations and find it painful to speak two or three words in a stretch. Frequent monitoring of signs, intensive oxygen therapy is usually required. readmore 08/8Mental confusion, low pulse and/or discomfort in the chest Apart from the above signs, a patient/ caregiver should also be aware of certain signs of severe breathing difficulties which require critical care: -Extremely low oxygen saturation levels -Chest pain, discomfort -Delirium -High fever, persistent coughing bouts -Confusion -Discolouration of the face/ bluish tint on the lips -Chillness in the extremities. readmore

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