Could the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus affect the exacerbation of asthma symptoms? Find out how asthmatics can protect themselves from infection.
Coronavirus and asthma – COVID-19 dangerous for asthmatics
The prevailing coronavirus epidemic is a particularly difficult time for people with chronic respiratory diseases, including asthmatics. Not surprisingly, many people struggling with the disease are asking whether there is a correlation between coronavirus and asthma.
What complications are asthmatics at risk for if they become infected with COVID-19? What steps should they take to protect themselves from SARS-CoV-2 infection?
Why is coronavirus so dangerous for asthmatics?
The viruses that cause COVID-19 infection spread by the droplet route, entering the body through the respiratory tract, and the virus itself “hits” mainly the lungs, damaging lung tissue. This is particularly dangerous in people struggling with asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways that leads to reversible obstruction, or bronchospasm. Variable narrowing of the airways is most often accompanied by symptoms such as wheezing, a tiring, paroxysmal cough of variable intensity and frequency, shortness of breath and a feeling of tightness in the chest.
With a chronically inflamed and weakened respiratory system, coronavirus infection not only leads to an exacerbation of asthma, but can also lead to severe respiratory failure and even death of the patient.
Treating asthma in the era of coronavirus
So how should asthmatics behave in the face of a coronavirus pandemic? First and foremost, under no circumstances should they abandon anti-inflammatory treatment!
This is extremely important, because discontinuation of therapy at such a time is likely to bring with it an exacerbation of asthma, which can negatively affect the patient’s health and increase the risk of contracting coronavirus.
Also very important is the degree of asthma control, which determines how much the risk of experiencing a more severe SARS-CoV-2 infection is. If asthma is well-controlled, thanks to properly selected medications, patients suffering from it can expect a milder course of COVID-19.
Unfortunately, those with uncontrolled asthma are much more prone to a more severe course of the disease. These patients are especially advised to continue anti-inflammatory treatment and avoid situations in which they may become infected.
How should asthma sufferers protect themselves during an outbreak?
So what steps should asthmatics take to protect themselves from coronavirus infection?
First and foremost, follow the official recommendations of the World Health Organization issued on the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak.What does this entail? As much as possible, asthma sufferers should keep outings to an absolute minimum. However, if you are forced to leave the apartment, don’t forget to wear a protective mask, keep an appropriate distance from people you meet on the street and disinfect your hands frequently. When you return home, disinfect the items you used outside and wash your hands thoroughly.
In addition to maintaining basic safety precautions, it is also a good idea to implement a few simple rules that will allow you to minimize the risk of asthma exacerbation in both children and adults.
The basic action should be the aforementioned continuation of treatment as prescribed by the specialist to maintain continuity of therapy, which will protect you from sudden attacks of shortness of breath that can result from withdrawal of medication.
It may also be a good idea to review your inhaler – check its expiration date and make sure you are using it correctly. Also, make sure it’s in an easily accessible place so you can reach for it immediately if needed.
How else can you help yourself? Plan ahead. A coronavirus outbreak is a highly stressful situation for many of us, so asthma attacks occurring during it can become a symptom of increased stress during this time. So take care to remain relatively calm during such moments. This can be helped by having an attack action plan written down in advance and posted in a prominent place, which you can refer to in crisis moments.
Also replenish your supply of medications you are taking. Check your remaining pharmaceuticals regularly, and if you notice that any of them are about to run out, ask your treating physician to issue an electronic prescription so that you can easily replenish your medicine cabinet when you next leave home to minimize the need to go out more often.
However, if you notice symptoms of an asthma exacerbation or other worrisome symptoms – don’t wait but immediately report it to your doctor or contact the nearest infectious disease unit.