Pulmonology & Respiratory Medicine

COVID-19 and Asthma

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals with bronchial asthma may fear heightened susceptibility to severe outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, current evidence does not indicate increased infection rates among asthma patients. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest moderate-severe asthma might elevate the risk of severe COVID-19, this remains unverified. Although a single report hints at asthma potentially raising hospitalization risk in 18-49-year-olds with COVID-19, data from New York show asthma under-representation among COVID-19 fatalities. Given the evolving nature of the pandemic, new data may alter this landscape.

Concerns regarding steroid use in COVID-19 have surfaced, prompting questions about asthma controller therapies containing steroids. It's crucial for asthma patients to maintain their condition under control, even if it means continuing steroid-based controller medications. Discontinuing these medications risks asthma exacerbation, particularly during spring allergy season. Managing an exacerbation might entail seeking emergency care, potentially increasing COVID-19 exposure. Thus, by adhering to asthma control measures, individuals inadvertently reduce their risk of COVID-19 exposure.

• How can we tell the Difference between COVID-19, the Flu, a Cold or Seasonal Allergies?
• How Does COVID-19 Spread?
• Who Is at Risk From COVID-19?
• How Can we Avoid Getting COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Infections?
• If we Think we Have COVID-19, What Should we Do?
• Should we wear a Mask or Face Covering to Prevent Spreading COVID-19?