All articles tagged with #breathlessness
Breathlessness after climbing stairs is often a normal response to increased oxygen demand, but new or prolonged breathlessness can signal underlying heart, lung, or blood conditions and should be evaluated by a doctor; to improve stair-climbing endurance, gradually increase activity, strengthen relevant muscles, and monitor how quickly your breathing returns to baseline.
Feeling winded after climbing stairs can be a normal physiological response because stairs demand more oxygen and energy, but new or prolonged breathlessness warrants medical evaluation to rule out underlying conditions such as heart failure, obesity, COPD, or anemia. If recovery is quick, it’s usually not concerning; if breathing stays elevated for more than about three minutes or is accompanied by chest pain, headaches, or vision changes, consult a doctor. To improve stair endurance, gradually train and strengthen the muscles involved while addressing any medical issues first.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified immune cells known as monocytes as a probable culprit for long Covid symptoms such as breathlessness. In a study of blood samples from Covid patients, the team found that monocytes with irregularities were linked to long Covid and lung injury. The scientists hypothesized that Covid increased CXCR6 in the monocytes, causing them to travel more readily toward the lungs and contribute to prolonged inflammation or damage. The next step for the scientists will be to try to modulate some of the pathways identified in monocytes using drugs to lower CXCR6 in animal models and seeing if symptoms improve.