Long term covid chest pain with exercise

Creator

Topic
February 23, 2021 at 8:18 am #51143

Diana
Participant

Hi Dr. Summer,

I got covid-19 in early January with mild/moderate symptoms similar to a winter cold. I took it easy while symptomatic, taking several days off, but still did exercise- going on hikes in the back yard instead of runs. I recovered and gradually resumed light aerobic exercise, which felt fine. After a week of feeling fine, I began having chest pain in the evenings post-exercise, with no pain during. This has been persistent for 4 weeks now.

I’ve seen an MD and a cardiologist (got a regular EKG), both of whom have said I’m fine and cleared to exercise. Even so, I get this very tight uncomfortable chest pain after most exercise, including my usual 1 hour Zone 2 ski or run, so I am taking it extra easy and sitting out all adventures for the time being.

Do you have any advice for treatment or proceeding with trying to diagnose this with my doctors? I would love to hear the viewpoint of a sports med doctor. Any ideas would be much appreciated.

Thank you,

Diana
Creator

Topic

Posted In: COVID-19 & Sports Med

Participant

Diana on February 23, 2021 at 9:11 am #51146

I should also mention I took a week entirely off last week and the chest pain went mostly away, then returned when I’ve resumed exercise. Also, I’ve been taking my resting heart rate each morning in bed and it has been normal.

Moderator

Thomas Summer, MD on February 24, 2021 at 5:51 am #51180

Hi Diana!

I would continue with easy exercise. Only what feels comfortable. And I would recommend starting some relaxing breathing meditation.
Can your cardiologist perform a spiroergometry with ecg? That would be good for further examination.

have a quick recovery!
Thomas

Participant

Diana on February 24, 2021 at 8:35 am #51184

Hi Thomas,

Thank you for your insight. That is just what I was hoping for, a recommendation about how to go about, or not go about any, exercise. I will try some breathing meditations, and I am scheduled for an ECG in a couple weeks. I’ll see if it includes spiroergometry.

Thanks again!

Diana

Moderator

Thomas Summer, MD on March 20, 2021 at 4:03 am #52224

Hi Diana,

how are you doing? I hope you are getting better?!
If you want to share your progression, I would be very happy to read from you.

all the best from Austria!
Thomas

Participant

Diana on March 20, 2021 at 8:39 am #52233

Hi Dr. Summer,

Thanks for checking in. My symptoms have not improved over the past month. I am still experiencing chest pain and tightness at rest and especially after exercise, though I have now stopped all aerobic exercise for the time being. I tried using an albuterol inhaler before running for a week and felt no difference.

I did not get an ECG (too expensive) but I did get a lung function (spirometry) test. The results were overall normal, but “increased airway resistance when the lung volume is taken into consideration, suggests possible variable extra-thoracic upper airway obstruction”. I have an appointment coming up with a throat specialist to address this.

I also did just receive my first vaccine, and am hoping that might help drive the lingering virus out of my body. If you have any insights or comments about those courses of action, I am all ears. Thank you again for checking in. It means a lot.

Diana

Moderator

Thomas Summer, MD on March 21, 2021 at 6:13 am #52252

Hi Diana,

I’m sorry to read that your symptoms are not getting better.

Did you also get bloodwork done? An appointment with a throat specialist is a good idea. He will probably tell you how to go on. Maybe also see a lung specialist!?

I would recommend taking vitamin D, Zink, vitamin C, and quercetin.
Try if inhaling essential oils help. I would use rosemary and peppermint.

I hope you get better soon!
Thomas

Participant

madanyang on March 21, 2021 at 7:06 am #52253

I would include Thyme Linalool (thymus vulgaris) definitely as an oil to consider. With peppermint (menta piperita) 2 drops in a cup with hot water and not so close would be a precaution I would add.

One has to be specific with essential oils, hence I gave the latin names as well. The Thyme Linalool is a perfect example because every thyme is not usable.

Participant

Diana on March 21, 2021 at 3:13 pm #52262

Thanks Thomas for your recommendations and concern. I like your holistic/alternative approach. I haven’t gotten bloodwork done, but I am also scheduled to see a pulmonologist, as well as the throat specialist. I am hoping the issue is in one of those two ballparks and they can offer advice or treatment.

I may also try the essential oils, especially since my sense of smell is still minimal, and I’d like to help improve that over time. Thanks again Thomas and madanyang, and I will post again when things improve. I have to believe it will get better! 🙂

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