when is shortness of breath, bad?

[Thelastcommercial]

Sorry for being so ignorant about this but I thought you might have some experiences. I have been lucky enough not to suffer in my life with chest infections or lung issues, but I am currently positive for covid and symptomatic. I am on day 5 and it is fully in my chest. Lots of coughing, heaviness and tightness in my chest like there is a balloon inflated in it and there is not enough room to take a full breath. Walking around slowly is okay. Walking around at any pace faster than slowly makes me catch my breath. Bit of fever.
Can’t stand up for very long.

This is the first time I have experienced “shortness of breath” in my life, so technically have a “bad sign” of covid, however I do not feel like I am about to die.

How do I differentiate me having breathing issues for the first time ever in my life due to covid, and me having more than “mild” symptoms of covid?

You need to try and get hold of a pulse oximeter so you can keep an eye on your blood oxygen levels. Amazon have them for same-day delivery on Prime, or pharmacies sell them if there's someone who could go and get one for you.

If walking around slowly is okay, that doesn't sound too bad. But I would strongly advise rest, and speak to your GP. Generally leaning forwards will make it easier to breathe, even being on hands and knees in bed can help.

I haven't had covid, but I'm a lifelong asthma sufferer (moderately severe).

I'm not medically trained, however I was experiencing shortness of breath in relation to a medical condition and I asked my doctor the same question - at what point does it become serious enough to need medical attention.

His response was basically that my shortness of breath was caused by activity (walking to the kitchen!) and that resting provided relief. As long as rest provides relief I don't need to seek additional medical support unless my lips went blue. Thankfully the medical condition is now under control, but it's bloody scary not feeling like you can breathe after something as simple as moving to another room.

I imagine similar advice would apply to you but if you're concerned please ask a medical professional for their advice.

If you can't manage a full sentence without being out of breath I'd say that was breathlessness as well as the other examples above

This NHS advice is helpful & includes information about using a pulse oximeter & when to go to A&E

www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/how-to-treat-symptoms-at-home/