Many patients with Long Covid respiratory symptoms have been told their cough, breathlessness or fatigue is anxiety, deconditioning, or simply “taking time to clear.” For a condition affecting a significant proportion of those who contracted Covid-19 including those who were not severely ill during the acute phase this dismissal is both clinically inaccurate and deeply frustrating. Long Covid respiratory symptoms are real, measurable and, in many cases, treatable. Dr Sundeep Kaul provides a structured, evidence-based assessment for patients experiencing persistent cough and post-viral respiratory complications, using advanced investigations to identify the underlying mechanisms and build a personalised, recovery-focused management plan.
What Is Long Covid?
Long Covid formally termed post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) — is defined as symptoms persisting or developing beyond four weeks from the initial infection, not explained by an alternative diagnosis. Respiratory manifestations are among the most prevalent and most disruptive, and arise through a number of distinct mechanisms: post-viral airway inflammation, small airways dysfunction, laryngeal hypersensitivity driving a persistent cough, pulmonary fibrosis in those who experienced severe acute illness, and physical deconditioning following a period of illness and reduced activity. A persistent cough following Covid-19 is not simply a cough that has not resolved it often reflects a specific change in airway sensitivity that requires targeted treatment rather than time alone. Understanding which mechanism is driving each patient’s symptoms is the essential first step towards effective management, and it is a question that can only be answered through proper specialist investigation.
Symptoms May Include
- Persistent cough following Covid-19 infection
- Breathlessness on exertion or at rest
- Exercise intolerance activity levels significantly reduced since infection
- Chest tightness or pressure
- Sensation of air hunger or inability to take a full breath
- Fatigue worsening after physical or mental exertion
- Symptoms persisting or fluctuating beyond four weeks of acute illness
- Post-exertional malaise — symptoms worsening the day after activity
- Reduced peak flow or spirometry compared to pre-Covid baseline
- Ongoing symptoms despite initial recovery from acute infection
Diagnostic Assessment
Your consultation may include:
- Post-Covid Symptom Review
- Full Lung Function Testing
- FeNO Inflammation Assessment
- High-Resolution CT Scan
- Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing
- ECG & Echocardiogram
- Comprehensive Blood Tests
- Laryngeal Sensitivity Assessment
- Functional Status Review
Treatment Approach
Treatment is tailored to each patient’s specific symptoms and investigation findings. It is not a one-size-fits-all protocol; it is built around the mechanism identified for that individual. It may include:
- Inhaled Anti-Inflammatory Therapy
- Neuromodulatory Cough Treatment
- Breathing Retraining Support
- Graded Exercise Rehabilitation
- Speech Therapy Referral
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme
- Antifibrotic Assessment Monitoring
- Multidisciplinary Long Covid Care
Why Early Assessment Matters
Early assessment can identify inflammation, fibrosis, or airway disease, enabling targeted treatment and preventing delays in recovery.
Book a Consultation