COVID recovery ultrasound explained

Overview

A COVID recovery ultrasound is a painless imaging test that uses sound waves to look at your organs after a COVID-19 infection. It is often used to check the lungs, heart, and blood vessels for problems that can affect your recovery, such as fluid around the lungs, heart muscle weakness, or blood clots.

It is not a routine test for everyone after COVID-19. Doctors may suggest it if you have ongoing symptoms or a history of severe illness that raises concern for organ damage.

People recovering from moderate to severe COVID-19, especially those who had pneumonia, were in hospital, or have new symptoms like breathlessness or chest pain. Older adults and people with pre-existing health conditions are more likely to need it.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Persistent cough or breathlessness
• Chest pain or tightness
• Swelling in one leg or both legs
• Palpitations or feeling your heart racing
• Unexplained fatigue

Symptoms in children

• Persistent fever or cough after recovery
• Trouble breathing with normal activity
• Chest pain, especially with exercise
• Swelling in the face or legs

Symptoms in older adults

• Increased confusion or drowsiness
• Severe breathlessness with minimal activity
• New or worsening leg swelling
• Chest pain or pressure

Causes

Main causes

• COVID-19 can cause inflammation in the lungs, heart, or blood vessels.
• Blood clots may form during infection due to immune system changes and immobility.
• The body's overactive immune response can damage organs even before symptoms appear.

Risk factors

• Severe COVID-19, especially requiring intensive care
• Pre-existing heart, lung, or kidney disease
• Prolonged bed rest or reduced mobility
• A history of blood clots or clotting disorders
• Older age, obesity, or diabetes

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any of the emergency symptoms listed above, call your local emergency number immediately.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you are recovering from COVID-19 and have persistent symptoms that worry you, contact your general practitioner or primary care doctor for an assessment.

Diagnosis

The doctor or sonographer will place a small handheld device called a transducer on your skin over the area being examined. It sends sound waves into your body, which bounce back to create images on a screen.

Tests that may be done

• Lung ultrasound – checks for fluid or inflammation in the lungs
• Echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) – looks at heart muscle function, valves, and fluid around the heart
• Leg ultrasound (Doppler) – scans for blood clots in the deep veins

What to expect at your appointment

You will lie down comfortably, and a water-based gel is applied to your skin. The transducer is moved gently over the area. It usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You can go home right after, and no special preparation is needed. Your doctor will discuss the results with you.

Treatment

An ultrasound does not treat COVID-19 itself. It helps find problems that may need treatment. The type of treatment depends on what the ultrasound shows and your overall health.

Self-care at home

• Rest gradually and build up activity slowly
• Keep a symptom diary to share with your doctor
• Stay well-hydrated and eat a balanced diet
• Avoid lying still for long periods – move or stretch as able to help prevent blood clots

Medical treatments

If the ultrasound finds a blood clot, your doctor may recommend medication to thin your blood. If it finds heart inflammation, they may suggest medications to reduce inflammation and supportive measures. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice and ask about any side effects.

Living with this condition

Recovering from COVID-19 can be slow. Use your ultrasound result to help guide your recovery plan. If it is normal, your doctor may advise gradually increasing activity. If not, you may need more support and monitoring.

Lifestyle tips

• Pace yourself – avoid pushing too hard
• Eat a heart-healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Stay active within your comfort level – gentle walking is often good
• Stop smoking if you smoke, and limit alcohol

Diet and exercise

A Mediterranean-style diet with vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can support recovery. Start with gentle exercises like short walks and slowly increase your stamina. Breathing exercises can also help, especially if you had pneumonia.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is normal to feel anxious or low after a serious illness. The word 'ultrasound' can bring worry, but it is a safe, simple test. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. If you are in crisis, contact your local crisis support line or emergency number.

Prevention

The best way to prevent COVID-19 complications is to avoid getting the infection in the first place. Vaccination, hand hygiene, and wearing a mask in high-risk settings can reduce the risk.

Vaccines

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended by health authorities such as the UK NHS. It reduces the chance of severe illness and long-term complications.

Screening programmes

If you have risk factors for blood clots or heart problems, your doctor may recommend regular check-ups. However, routine ultrasound screening after COVID-19 is not currently advised for everyone.

Complications

If left untreated

• Blood clots that are not treated can travel to the lungs and cause a life-threatening emergency
• Undetected heart inflammation can lead to heart failure or rhythm problems
• Lung abnormalities may cause persistent breathlessness or reduced exercise capacity

Long-term outlook

Many COVID-19 complications improve with treatment and time. An ultrasound helps your healthcare team catch problems early, which greatly improves the chance of a good recovery. Be patient with your body and follow your provider’s plan.

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