Posting for traffic, I have covid and there is a crackling noise when I breathe

[poppycatty]

It is so uncomfortable to eat anything because my throat feels raw, almost burnt. I am managing now to sip my tea. I have thankfully been asleep most of the day but this crackling noise when I breathe out is really bothering me. I also feel as if I can't get enough breath in my lungs. When I stand up I am breathing normally. Any advice?

111, sweets.

Yes, ring 111.

Do you have a pulse ox? You can get them for a tenner on Amazon!

For me, a crackling sound usually indicates an infection, or problem, so I agree, call 111. I’ve currently got Covid and am finding boiled sweets useful for my throat (and the horrible taste in my mouth from Paxlovid). Get well soon.

Thanks everyone, I'm scared to call 111, I don't want carted away. I'm sure it's just an infection but I have never had this before.

I had covid in 2020, the crackling was an infection on top of covid, I needed 3x steroids and antibiotics until it cleared up, it was plurasy. Please call the doctor.

Sounds like a chest infection

I agree it sounds like pleurisy, it's an infection that causes inflammation between the ribs and the lungs. It can get very painful so it's worth getting it checked by a doctor. If it's a bacterial infection it can be treated with antibiotics and often steroid tablets too.
I hope you get it sorted and feel better soon.

You're doing yourself no favours leaving it. Sounds like you need antibiotics and a proper check over.

If you get treatment for it now then you won’t need to be “carted away” because you can just take medication at home, but if you leave it and it gets significantly worse then you might be.

Don't be afraid of seeking a medical opinion. There's a world of difference between a crackly chest and needing ICU. They understand Covid better now and presumably you're vaccinated. You might need antibiotics or steroids or an inhaler and to be checked over.
If you're short of breath sit up and lean forward. This helps your lungs expand. I have asthma and long covid so I can promise you that helps you feel less breathless.

How are you feeling today?

Crackling when breathing can happen with a lot of respiratory infections, viral or bacterial, so it could just be a consequence of Covid. But it would be worth a call to 111 for advice as they’ll be able to ask you more about your symptoms and tell you whether you should see a GP. I have every sympathy - I had that horrible crackle when I had bronchitis a few years back and I’ve never felt so rough in my life. Hope you’re feeling better soon.

Hi I know this is an old thread but I wonder if you can tell me how long after the bronchitis did the crackling go? Currently having the same issue 😪

It’s three years since I had Covid and my chest still crackles. It never went back to normal.

@Teatrivet thank you 🥰 God hope i don't have it that long x

I had this and the crackle was indicative of a chest infection that degenerated into pneumonia. Ask to see the GP.

@FifiinLondon thanks 😊 I've been to G.P. and hospital today for an xray for my own peace of mind, my symptoms are improving a lot thankfully it's just the crackling thing that's bothering me x

Great to know @SamsMom2014 :)

@FifiinLondon aw thank you 🥰

@FifiinLondon you weren't too far off the mark, my xray results showed left lung infection 😞 , so started on antibiotics, funny thing is cough had started to improve anyway so hopefully all will be clear soon!

That's great news @SamsMom2014 (not the infection but that you are on antibiotics for it) - I was diagnosed too late for antibiotics to be administered on time. Wouldn't wish pneumonia on my worst enemy!

Ah thanks @FifiinLondon , I think the doc knew how anxious I was about the crackling thing so pushed me to go for the xray, otherwise I'd probably still be worrying myself to death 🥰