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| Meta Title | Shortness of Breath After COVID-19 Vaccine: Causes and Treatment |
| Meta Description | In very rare cases, shortness of breath can happen after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Seek immediate medical care if this happens to you. |
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| Boilerpipe Text | Shortness of breath isnât common after the COVID-19 vaccine. However, it may happen due to rare adverse effects, like myocarditis, pericarditis, or anaphylaxis. Many people with these adverse effects recover with prompt treatment.
Getting the
COVID-19 vaccine
is important for preventing serious illness and death from the coronavirus. As with any vaccine, the COVID-19 vaccine can have side effects. Many of these are mild and go away in a few days.
In rare cases, more serious adverse effects that cause shortness of breath can occur. Keep reading to learn more about the causes of shortness of breath after COVID-19 vaccination and how theyâre diagnosed and treated.
In rare instances, a few things may cause
shortness of breath
after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. These include:
myocarditis
pericarditis
anaphylaxis
Myocarditis and pericarditis
Myocarditis
and
pericarditis
are both types of heart inflammation. In addition to shortness of breath, a person with myocarditis or pericarditis can experience symptoms like:
chest pain
racing or pounding heart
weakness
fatigue
The
CDC
notes that myocarditis and pericarditis are rare adverse effects of the COVID-19 vaccine that mostly happen in adolescent and young adult males. These rare effects typically occur:
after getting an
mRNA COVID-19 vaccine
, like the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine
within a week of getting a vaccine dose
after getting the second dose in the primary vaccine series
A
2022 study
found that the rates of myocarditis in adolescent and young adult males after the second vaccine dose were:
70.7 cases per 1 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in males ages 12 to 15
105.9 cases per 1 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in males ages 16 to 17
52.4 cases and 56.3 cases per 1 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna vaccine, respectively, in males ages 18 to 24
Several
studies have
found
that the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis is actually
higher
after getting
COVID-19
than it is after getting vaccinated.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis
is a severe, life threatening allergic reaction. It may cause symptoms like:
breathing problems, which can include:
shortness of breath
rapid, shallow breathing
wheezing
difficulty breathing
swelling of the
tongue
or throat
dizziness
,
lightheadedness
, or
fainting
rash
clammy skin
rapid heart rate
nausea or
vomiting
abdominal pain
diarrhea
anxiety
or a
feeling of impending doom
Itâs possible for anaphylaxis to occur after any type of COVID-19 vaccine. However, itâs still very rare. The CDC estimates it occurs at a rate of
5 cases per 1 million vaccine doses
.
Most instances of myocarditis or pericarditis are
mild or moderate
. The
CDC
notes that most people with these adverse effects who receive treatment respond well and feel better quickly.
A
2023 study
also found that the outlook for people with myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination was better when compared with people with conventional myocarditis or COVID-19-associated myocarditis.
People who have had myocarditis or pericarditis after getting sick with COVID-19
should not
receive another dose of that particular vaccine unless cleared by their doctor.
Anaphylaxis typically resolves after treatment. If you experienced anaphylaxis after a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, you
should not
receive another dose of that type of vaccine.
Optum Now is operated by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission.
Learn more.
In rare cases, shortness of breath can happen after the COVID-19 vaccine. This can be caused by rare adverse effects like myocarditis, pericarditis, or anaphylaxis.
With treatment, many people with shortness of breath after the COVID-19 vaccine recover without lingering problems.
Myocarditis and pericarditis can become serious, while anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Always seek prompt medical care if you have concerning symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or rash after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. |
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# Shortness of Breath: A Rare Adverse Effect of the COVID-19 Vaccine

[Medically reviewed]() by [Thomas Johnson, PA-C]() â Written by [Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D.]() on April 13, 2023
- [Potential causes](https://www.healthline.com/health/shortness-of-breath-after-vaccine#potential-causes)
- [Diagnosis and treatment](https://www.healthline.com/health/shortness-of-breath-after-vaccine#diagnosis-and-treatment)
- [Outlook](https://www.healthline.com/health/shortness-of-breath-after-vaccine#outlook)
- [Takeaway](https://www.healthline.com/health/shortness-of-breath-after-vaccine#takeaway)
Shortness of breath isnât common after the COVID-19 vaccine. However, it may happen due to rare adverse effects, like myocarditis, pericarditis, or anaphylaxis. Many people with these adverse effects recover with prompt treatment.
Getting the [COVID-19 vaccine](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/heres-exactly-where-were-at-with-vaccines-and-treatments-for-covid-19) is important for preventing serious illness and death from the coronavirus. As with any vaccine, the COVID-19 vaccine can have side effects. Many of these are mild and go away in a few days.
In rare cases, more serious adverse effects that cause shortness of breath can occur. Keep reading to learn more about the causes of shortness of breath after COVID-19 vaccination and how theyâre diagnosed and treated.
### **Common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine**
According to the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html), the common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine in adults include:
- pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- [fatigue](https://www.healthline.com/health/fatigue)
- [fever](https://www.healthline.com/health/fever-symptoms)
- [chills](https://www.healthline.com/health/chills)
- [muscle aches](https://www.healthline.com/health/muscle-aches)
- [headache](https://www.healthline.com/health/headache)
- [nausea](https://www.healthline.com/health/nausea)
## [What might cause shortness of breath after the COVID-19 vaccine?]()
In rare instances, a few things may cause [shortness of breath](https://www.healthline.com/health/what-does-shortness-of-breath-feel-like) after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. These include:
- myocarditis
- pericarditis
- anaphylaxis
### Myocarditis and pericarditis
[Myocarditis](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-disease/myocarditis) and [pericarditis](https://www.healthline.com/health/pericarditis) are both types of heart inflammation. In addition to shortness of breath, a person with myocarditis or pericarditis can experience symptoms like:
- [chest pain](https://www.healthline.com/health/causes-of-chest-pain)
- [racing or pounding heart](https://www.healthline.com/health/dangerous-heart-rate)
- [weakness](https://www.healthline.com/health/weakness)
- fatigue
The [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/myocarditis.html) notes that myocarditis and pericarditis are rare adverse effects of the COVID-19 vaccine that mostly happen in adolescent and young adult males. These rare effects typically occur:
- after getting an [mRNA COVID-19 vaccine](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-does-mrna-vaccine-work), like the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine
- within a week of getting a vaccine dose
- after getting the second dose in the primary vaccine series
A [2022 study](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2788346) found that the rates of myocarditis in adolescent and young adult males after the second vaccine dose were:
- 70\.7 cases per 1 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in males ages 12 to 15
- 105\.9 cases per 1 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in males ages 16 to 17
- 52\.4 cases and 56.3 cases per 1 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna vaccine, respectively, in males ages 18 to 24
[Several](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-021-01630-0) studies have [found](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.122.059970) that the risk of myocarditis and pericarditis is actually [higher](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7114e1.htm) after getting [COVID-19](https://www.healthline.com/health/coronavirus-covid-19) than it is after getting vaccinated.
### Anaphylaxis
[Anaphylaxis](https://www.healthline.com/health/anaphylaxis) is a severe, life threatening allergic reaction. It may cause symptoms like:
- breathing problems, which can include:
- shortness of breath
- [rapid, shallow breathing](https://www.healthline.com/health/rapid-shallow-breathing)
- [wheezing](https://www.healthline.com/health/wheezing)
- [difficulty breathing](https://www.healthline.com/health/breathing-difficulties)
- swelling of the [tongue](https://www.healthline.com/health/tongue-problems) or throat
- [dizziness](https://www.healthline.com/health/dizziness), [lightheadedness](https://www.healthline.com/health/lightheadedness), or [fainting](https://www.healthline.com/health/fainting)
- [rash](https://www.healthline.com/health/rashes)
- [clammy skin](https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-clammy)
- rapid heart rate
- nausea or [vomiting](https://www.healthline.com/health/vomiting-causes-treatment)
- [abdominal pain](https://www.healthline.com/health/abdominal-pain)
- [diarrhea](https://www.healthline.com/health/diarrhea)
- [anxiety](https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety-symptoms) or a [feeling of impending doom](https://www.healthline.com/health/feeling-of-impending-doom)
Itâs possible for anaphylaxis to occur after any type of COVID-19 vaccine. However, itâs still very rare. The CDC estimates it occurs at a rate of [5 cases per 1 million vaccine doses](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/adverse-events.html).
### Other causes of shortness of breath after the COVID-19 vaccine
There are also some other rarer causes of shortness of breath that have been associated with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines:
- **Interstitial lung disease (ILD):** [ILD](https://www.healthline.com/health/interstitial-lung-disease) refers to conditions that lead to scarring of the lungs. [Reports](https://thorax.bmj.com/content/77/1/9) of ILD after the COVID-19 vaccine are
[limited](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8942814/)
to several case
[reports](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8450284/)
.
- **Pneumonitis:** [Pneumonitis](https://www.healthline.com/health/pneumonitis) is a general term for lung inflammation. A
[couple](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9548798/)
of case
[reports](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8810239/)
have described pneumonitis after the COVID-19 vaccine.
Case reports are detailed descriptions of disease in a single person. As such, compared with the number of vaccine doses given worldwide, these adverse effects are exceedingly rare.
## [How is shortness of breath after a COVID-19 vaccine diagnosed and treated?]()
### What to do if you have serious side effects after the COVID-19 vaccine
Seek medical care if you develop symptoms of myocarditis or pericarditis in the days after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. These conditions can become serious if theyâre not treated.
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. If you have symptoms of anaphylaxis in the minutes or hours after getting a COVID-19 vaccine, call 911 or local emergency services.
### Myocarditis and pericarditis
A doctor can diagnose and treat myocarditis or pericarditis by:
- performing a physical exam and taking your medical history
- ordering blood tests, like tests for:
- [troponin](https://www.healthline.com/health/troponin-levels)
- [C-reactive protein](https://www.healthline.com/health/c-reactive-protein)
- [erythrocyte sedimentation rate](https://www.healthline.com/health/esr)
- doing an [electrocardiogram (EKG)](https://www.healthline.com/health/electrocardiogram)
- using imaging, such as a:
- [chest X-ray](https://www.healthline.com/health/chest-x-ray)
- [echocardiogram](https://www.healthline.com/health/echocardiogram)
- [MRI](https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-mri)
A [cardiologist](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248935) typically treats these conditions. Treatment may involve medications geared toward reducing inflammation, such as:
- [nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)](https://www.healthline.com/health/side-effects-from-nsaids)
- [steroids](https://www.healthline.com/health/corticosteroids-what-are-they)
- [intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)](https://www.healthline.com/health/ivig-infusion)
Youâll also need to get plenty of rest as you recover.
### Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis typically comes on suddenly [15 to 30 minutes](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/managing-anaphylaxis.html) after vaccination. However, sometimes it may take hours to develop. Diagnosis is typically made based on the appearance of symptoms after a specific trigger.
Treatment involves an [epinephrine](https://www.healthline.com/health/epinephrine-vs-norepinephrine) injection, typically with an [EpiPen](https://www.healthline.com/health/anaphylaxis/how-to-use-epipen), as well as supportive care in a hospital.
## [Whatâs the outlook for people with shortness of breath after the COVID-19 vaccine?]()
Most instances of myocarditis or pericarditis are [mild or moderate](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2110737). The [CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/myocarditis.html) notes that most people with these adverse effects who receive treatment respond well and feel better quickly.
A [2023 study](https://bmjmedicine.bmj.com/content/2/1/e000373) also found that the outlook for people with myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination was better when compared with people with conventional myocarditis or COVID-19-associated myocarditis.
People who have had myocarditis or pericarditis after getting sick with COVID-19 [should not](https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/interim-considerations-us.html#myocarditis-pericarditis) receive another dose of that particular vaccine unless cleared by their doctor.
Anaphylaxis typically resolves after treatment. If you experienced anaphylaxis after a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, you [should not](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/allergic-reaction.html) receive another dose of that type of vaccine.
**»MORE:**[Get an online treatment plan for COVID-19 in as little as 15 minutes with Optum Now Online Care.](https://now.optum.com/online-care/app/cp_12q_449a_covid19coronavirus?utm_source=healthline&utm_medium=organic-onlinecare-on&utm_content=linkto-oc-on-covid-19&utm_campaign=hl-article-oc-on-backlink)
Optum Now is operated by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. [Learn more.](https://www.healthline.com/about/brand-and-product-vetting)
## [Takeaway]()
In rare cases, shortness of breath can happen after the COVID-19 vaccine. This can be caused by rare adverse effects like myocarditis, pericarditis, or anaphylaxis.
With treatment, many people with shortness of breath after the COVID-19 vaccine recover without lingering problems.
Myocarditis and pericarditis can become serious, while anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Always seek prompt medical care if you have concerning symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or rash after getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
### How we reviewed this article:
Sources
History
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https://www.healthline.com/about/process).
- Allergic reactions after COVID-19 vaccination. (2022).
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[Medically reviewed]() by [Thomas Johnson, PA-C]() â Written by [Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D.]() on April 13, 2023
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