Adult-Onset Allergies: Why They Happen, and How We Can Help You Manage Them
Are you suddenly dealing with new allergies? Learn about common triggers, why adult-onset allergies happen, and how expert care can help you get relief.
Respiratory Testing, Treatment, and Monitoring for Long-Haul COVID: What to Expect
For many people, recovering from the initial COVID-19 infection is only the beginning. Weeks or months later, lingering symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and persistent coughing can continue, a condition sometimes called long-haul COVID.
These ongoing symptoms can interfere with daily life and may have lasting effects on lung health.
At Respacare in Bridgewater, New Jersey, Dr. Nehal Mehta and Dr. Prashant Patel understand the wide-ranging effects of long-haul COVID on physical and emotional well-being.
As pulmonary specialists, we’re here to guide you through what to expect when it comes to testing, treatment, and monitoring of persistent respiratory symptoms from long-haul COVID.
What is long-haul COVID?
Long-haul COVID, also called long COVID or post-COVID-19 condition, refers to a range of symptoms that continue after the initial infection resolves.
COVID-19 is a respiratory infection caused by a novel coronavirus. While many people recover within a few weeks, others experience symptoms that linger much longer. Estimates vary, but about 60% of people continue to experience symptoms after their initial infection.
Common symptoms of long-haul COVID include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Changes in taste and smell
- Difficulty concentrating
- Muscle or joint pain
- Headaches
Anyone can get long-haul COVID, even those with mild symptoms. However, it’s more common in women, people with underlying health conditions, and those who experienced more severe initial infections.
When to see your doctor
Visit your doctor if you’re not feeling well four weeks after your initial COVID-19 infection, especially if symptoms affect your daily life.
Extreme fatigue, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath are among the most common reasons people seek care. An early evaluation can help find underlying issues, guide treatment, and potentially reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Seek immediate medical care if you have severe chest pain or difficulty breathing.
Testing for long-haul COVID
There’s no single test for diagnosing long-haul COVID. Instead, we use a combination of testing tools to assess lung function and rule out other respiratory conditions.
Respiratory testing for long-haul COVID may include:
Pulmonary function tests
Pulmonary function tests (PFT) assess how well your lungs work. For this test, we measure the amount of air you can breathe in and hold, how quickly you inhale and exhale, and how well your lungs transfer oxygen to your blood.
Pulse oximetry
Pulse oximetry is a simple, noninvasive test that measures blood oxygen levels. Lower-than-normal levels may indicate impaired lung function.
Chest X-ray
A chest X-ray is an imaging test that helps us identify signs of lung inflammation, scarring, or other abnormalities.
Pulmonary stress test
A pulmonary stress test is an exercise-based test that evaluates how well your heart and lungs work during physical activity.
The information we gather from these tests helps us determine the best treatment to improve lung health and breathing.
Treatment for long-haul COVID
Treatment for long-haul COVID focuses on managing symptoms and restoring function. For respiratory symptoms, treatment may include:
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Supplemental oxygen
- Bronchodilators
- Corticosteroids
- Antibiotics
- Allergy management
Breathing exercises are often the first step. These techniques help improve lung capacity and support more efficient breathing patterns.
From there, we may recommend more structured pulmonary rehabilitation programs that rebuild strength, improve stamina, and reduce fatigue. We may prescribe medications to address inflammation, airway constriction, or other infections.
Lifestyle factors also play a critical role in recovery. Prioritizing sleep, good nutrition, and physical activity can support healing and overall well-being.
Ongoing monitoring and recovery
Long-haul COVID is frustrating and sometimes difficult to recognize, but that doesn’t mean that ongoing monitoring and follow-up care aren’t essential. Regular check-ins allow us to track progress, adjust treatment, and address new or changing symptoms.
Recovery can take time, but with the right support and care plan, you can experience gradual improvement.
If you’re not feeling like yourself after recovering from COVID-19, it’s time to find out why. We offer comprehensive evaluations and treatments for long-haul COVID and can help you get back to feeling like you.
Call us today or request an appointment online.
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