It probably comes as no surprise that COVID-19, a respiratory ailment that can lead to a dry cough and shortness of breath, can play havoc on the complex respiratory system inside a person’s chest.
Once inside, the virus starts to damage a person’s airways and lungs. Although the new coronavirus can infect anyone, some people are more likely to experience more severe diseases, such as those who already have moderate to severe asthma.
Pulmonologists say that someone with asthma has a smaller respiratory reserve than someone with no lung issues. Because of this, these people are more susceptible and generally struggle more if their lungs are affected by an injury.
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Learn what to do if you exhibit signs of the coronavirus or receive a positive test result, what your risk is, and why you should keep taking your regular asthma medications.
Do I have signs of the coronavirus?
According to experts, coronavirus’s primary symptoms include:
- high body temperature or coldness (chills)
- a new, persistent cough, which is defined as having three or more coughing episodes in a 24-hour period or coughing vigorously for more than an hour
- an alteration in your sense of taste or smell, or a loss of either.
- breathing difficulty
- feeling tired or exhausted
- a hurting body
- a migraine
- an upset stomach
- a runny or clogged nose
- a decrease in appetite
- diarrhea
- an ill feeling
If you exhibit any of the primary coronavirus symptoms, you should stay in bed for at least five days and limit your contact with other people.
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Is it an asthma attack or the coronavirus?
COVID-19 can produce symptoms like asthma-like wheezing and coughing. A fever, exhaustion, and changes in taste or odor do not typically accompany an asthma episode. Coronavirus infection is more likely to be the cause of these symptoms.
I have COVID-19; what should I do next?
If you experience symptoms of the coronavirus or have tested positive for COVID-19, you may be asking how this will influence your asthma and what you should do next.
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Here are the most important things you should do:
1. Remain at home and limit your interactions with others.
If you have COVID-19, you should stay at home for at least five days and limit your interaction with others until you feel better. This protects others, especially those who are most vulnerable to serious illness and helps stop the spread of the coronavirus.
2. Control the symptoms of the coronavirus.
The majority of persons who contract the coronavirus are able to treat their symptoms at home with plenty of rest, liquids, and paracetamol.
Ask someone to come by daily to see how you’re doing if you live alone. However, it is safest if they stay outside of your house.
3. Continue taking your regular asthma medications.
Dr. Andy Whittamore, the in-house GP at Asthma + Lung UK, advises that you continue using all of your asthma inhalers and medications as usual. They are completely safe if you have COVID-19 and will aid in preventing asthma attacks.
Before using an inhaler or taking medication, wash your hands.
Wash tools like mouthpieces, peak flow meters, spacers, or masks more frequently. Learn how to properly clean your spacers and inhalers.
Don’t let anyone else use your inhalers or other equipment.
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4. Adhere to your asthma action plan.
Your asthma action plan is crucial to successfully manage your condition every day. Your action plan will help you remember to take your daily asthma medications and what to do if your symptoms worsen or you experience an asthma attack when you are away from your regular routine for any reason, including illness.
Always make sure you use the most recent version of your plan. If you’re unsure, speak with your doctor or an asthma nurse.
Monitoring your peak flow along with any symptoms might be a useful approach to keep a check on your asthma if you have a peak flow meter.
5. If your asthma symptoms worsen, take action right away.
If the symptoms of your asthma worsen, utilize your spacer and reliever inhaler. If you’re concerned about your asthma symptoms, use the 111 online services or dial 111. Follow your standard instructions for asthma attacks.
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What are the risks of a coronavirus with asthma?
According to studies, the majority of asthmatics may have a somewhat increased chance of developing a serious coronavirus infection compared to the general population.
However, the current recommendations are based on data showing that people with asthma have a risk that is substantially lower than that of those without the condition, therefore the majority of people with asthma do not have a higher risk of coronavirus infection.
If you’ve had both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination, your chance of developing a significant coronavirus infection and needing hospitalization is probably low.
Booster vaccinations are crucial since they add to your defenses and reduce your risk of contracting new variations.
Will a coronavirus aggravate your asthma?
Because you already have breathing issues, the coronavirus could make you feel worse.
Studies, however, do not indicate that having COVID-19 increases your risk of having an asthma attack. Your type of asthma and how effectively it is managed will determine a lot.
You might be more vulnerable if:
- You don’t take your preventer medications as directed, daily.
- You also suffer from diabetes or heart disease in addition to your asthma.
- You are smoking
- You are incredibly obese (obese)
- You are older.
- You have respiratory allergies
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