For some, the symptoms of COVID-19 can linger long after the initial infection has passed. If you’re experiencing ongoing respiratory issues, fatigue, or “brain fog,” you may be dealing with Long COVID. At Premier Lung & Sleep Institute, we specialize in the respiratory evaluation and care of Long COVID patients, helping you manage your symptoms and regain your health.

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What is Long COVID?

Long COVID, or Post-COVID Conditions, refers to a range of new, returning, or ongoing health issues that can last for three months or more after a COVID-19 infection. The symptoms often fluctuate and can affect multiple body systems. Common respiratory issues include persistent breathlessness, chronic cough, and reduced exercise tolerance. Many patients also experience overwhelming fatigue, brain fog, and sleep problems.

How We Evaluate & Treat Long COVID (Respiratory-focused)

There is no single test for Long COVID, so our approach is a structured evaluation to rule out other problems and tailor a treatment plan to your specific symptoms.

  • Comprehensive Diagnostics: We may use Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs) and imaging to rule out other causes of your symptoms, such as an asthma or COPD flare, a blood clot in the lung, or an underlying lung condition.
  • Holistic Review: We’ll review your sleep patterns, mood, and medications, as these can significantly impact your breathing and energy levels.
  • Personalized Treatment:
    • Breathing retraining: Techniques to help you manage shortness of breath and improve respiratory muscle function.
    • Graded return to exercise: We’ll guide you in a paced, progressive return to physical activity using principles of pulmonary rehabilitation.
    • Medication optimization: We will optimize inhalers if there is evidence of airway hyperreactivity.
    • Sleep quality improvement: We address any sleep disturbances that may be contributing to your fatigue.
  • Staying Current: The evidence on Long COVID is constantly evolving. We stay up-to-date with the latest research to ensure your care is based on the best-available guidance.

Our Procedures & Services

  • On-site PFTs: For accurate and convenient monitoring of your lung function.
  • Sleep studies: If you are experiencing significant sleep disturbances or suspected sleep apnea.
  • Coordinated imaging and labs: We coordinate any necessary blood work or imaging to complete your evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there one test for Long COVID? A: Not at this time. Long COVID is a diagnosis of exclusion. We use a structured evaluation to rule out other medical problems and then create a targeted therapy plan based on your unique symptoms.