Is it common to experience shortness of breath due to COVID-19?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Shortness of breath is a common symptom of COVID-19, affecting many people both during the active infection and in the weeks or months that follow. This breathlessness can range from mild to severe and is often described as one of the most distressing symptoms of the illness. During the acute phase, it may result from lung inflammation, reduced oxygen levels, or the body's immune response. In the post-COVID (long COVID) period, lingering shortness of breath may stem from residual lung damage, deconditioning, or ongoing inflammation.

Because shortness of breath can also signal other serious conditions—such as asthma, heart problems, or pulmonary embolism—it's important not to ignore it or assume it's just from COVID. Understanding the cause is the first step to feeling better and knowing when to seek care. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights about your breathing symptoms and clear guidance on your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover if breathing trouble needs care today Learn likely causes of breathing difficulties from COVID-19 Find out if it could be pneumonia See OTC options for breathing difficulty relief Find a doctor for breathing problems Understand medically valid home remedies for breathlessness Check if your symptoms need urgent care

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Explanation

Shortness of Breath During Acute COVID-19 Infection:

Common Symptom: Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is one of the hallmark symptoms of COVID-19, particularly in moderate to severe cases. It often occurs alongside other symptoms such as cough, fever, and fatigue.
Mechanism: The virus can cause inflammation in the lungs, leading to pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). This inflammation can impair the lungs' ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream, resulting in feelings of breathlessness.
Severity: The severity of shortness of breath can vary widely among individuals. Some may experience mild breathlessness, while others may require hospitalization and supplemental oxygen.

Post-COVID Shortness of Breath:

Lingering Symptoms: Many individuals who recover from COVID-19 continue to experience shortness of breath as part of a condition often referred to as "long COVID" or post-COVID syndrome. Studies indicate that a significant percentage of patients report ongoing breathlessness weeks or months after the initial infection.
Prevalence and Risk Factors: Research has shown that post-COVID breathlessness can affect individuals regardless of the severity of their initial illness. Factors such as age, pre-existing respiratory conditions, and the presence of other symptoms during the acute phase may increase the risk of developing persistent breathlessness.
Impact on Quality of Life: Shortness of breath can significantly impact daily activities and overall quality of life. Individuals may find it challenging to perform routine tasks, engage in physical activity, or even rest comfortably.

Importance of Seeking Medical Attention:

If you experience shortness of breath during or after a COVID-19 infection, it is important to seek medical attention. You can start by using Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to better understand your symptoms before consulting with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your condition, conduct necessary tests, and recommend appropriate treatments or rehabilitation programs to help manage breathlessness.

(References)

Zheng B, Daines L, Han Q, Hurst JR, Pfeffer P, Shankar-Hari M, Elneima O, Walker S, Brown JS, Siddiqui S, Quint JK, Brightling CE, Evans RA, Wain LV, Heaney LG, Sheikh A. Prevalence, risk factors and treatments for post-COVID-19 breathlessness: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Respir Rev. 2022 Nov 2;31(166):220071. doi: 10.1183/16000617.0071-2022. PMID: 36323418; PMCID: PMC9724798.
Hentsch L, Cocetta S, Allali G, Santana I, Eason R, Adam E, Janssels JP. Breathlessness and COVID-19: A Call for Research. Respiration. 2021;100(10):1016-1026. doi: 10.1159/000517400. Epub 2021 Jul 30. PMID: 34333497; PMCID: PMC8450822.

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