Asthma sufferers might be worried about how COVID-19 would impact them. Controlling the condition and upholding persistent infection prevention practices are the greatest ways to lower the chance of contracting a serious illness from COVID-19.
What impact does COVID-19 have on asthma sufferers?
A chronic pulmonary disease called asthma damages the airways and results in inflammation. Wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing are brought on by the spasms and narrowing of the airways brought on by this inflammation.
The body’s immune system often responds to an illness caused by a respiratory virus. This may result in an overproduction of chemicals in asthmatics, which only serves to exacerbate inflammation.
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COVID-19 is a little distinct. Instead of the typical bronchial inflammation that characterizes asthma, it results in an inflammatory process within the lung tissue.
COVID-19 and other respiratory viral infections can exacerbate asthma symptoms. In addition, it can result in pneumonia in those with moderate to severe asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
However, there is currently no proof that suggests those who have asthma are more prone than others to contracting COVID-19.
For instance, no asthmatics were included in a 2020 study of 140 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, China. This may mean that having asthma is not a significant risk factor for getting the infection.
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Despite this, other coronavirus strains have been shown to exacerbate asthma, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). Asthma sufferers should exercise particular caution as research is still in its early phases and there are little available data.
People with asthma may be more susceptible to COVID-19 problems than they are to other respiratory illnesses like the flu, according to the CDCTrusted Source, if they do get the virus.
Does COVID-19 pose a greater risk to those who have asthma?
It doesn’t seem that asthma poses a significant risk for contracting COVID-19. However, individuals who get COVID-19 may experience more severe sicknesses as a result of poorly managed asthma.
According to the CDC, those who have moderate to severe asthma are more likely to have a serious COVID-19 infection.
This is due to coronavirus’s impact on the nose, throat, and lungs, as well as the upper and lower respiratory tracts. The virus may cause pneumonia or other severe respiratory illnesses, as well as an episode of asthma.
During the pandemic, people must continue taking their regular dose of asthma medicine. One of the best precautions persons with asthma can take is to keep their symptoms under control.
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The ACAAI states that there is no proof that asthma drugs may worsen COVID-19 outcomes or raise the chance of getting the virus.
Signs to watch out for:
Through contact with respiratory droplets carrying the virus, COVID-19 is easily transmitted from person to person. Additionally, a person may be able to spread the virus even before experiencing any symptoms. Others could be completely symptom-free while still spreading the illness.
The CDC states that COVID-19 symptoms may emerge 2–14 days after virus exposure.
Some signs could be:
- fever
- breathlessness
- cough
- muscular ache
- an upset stomach
- a migraine
- chills
According to the United Nations, the majority of COVID-19 survivors recover without the need for specialized care. Additionally, they predict that 1 in every 6 individuals who catch COVID-19 will become extremely unwell and experience respiratory difficulties.
People who have asthma should watch out for the additional symptoms listed below:
- a worsening of wheezing or tightness in the chest
- breathlessness
- coughing at night or in the morning
- use of the rescue inhaler on a more regular basis
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Contact your healthcare practitioner if you have COVID-19 symptoms and have asthma.
To stop the virus from spreading, anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms should self-isolate (remain at home).
People with asthma should take extra precautions and care.
When any form of respiratory illness is spreading in their community, people with asthma should take extra care. Additional safety precautions consist of:
Take all prescribed asthma meds.
Asthma sufferers must continue to use all prescribed drugs, such as rescue inhalers, steroid inhalers, steroid pills, and biologics. For those who have asthma, uncontrolled asthma poses a major health risk. The AAFA advises that people keep a 14–30-day supply of their drugs on hand.
A person’s individual plan to manage their asthma and avoid episodes is known as an asthma action plan. This comprises:
- having a plentiful supply of medicine
- understanding proper inhaler use
- avoiding the causes of asthma
- washing and sanitizing areas that are often touched, such as doorknobs and countertops
- avoiding all cleaning supplies that might cause asthma
- taking measures to lower worry and stress, which could cause asthma attacks
A possible asthma trigger’s avoidance
The following are typical asthma triggers:
- cigarette smoke
- pets, pollen, and dust mites
- air toxicity
- extreme weather
- exercise
- mold
- acid retching
- stress
- smelly substances
- food additives like sulfites or alcohol
- maintaining a robust immune system
A strong immune system is necessary for a person to fight off any infection, notably COVID-19. Developing these healthful routines can help boost immunity:
- Attempt to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.
- Attempt to relax as much as you can
- Eat a lot of fruits and veggies in your diet.
- Workout frequently.
- Keep a healthy weight.
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