What You Need to Know About Asthma and COVID-19, According to Experts

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns arose regarding the potential impact of the virus on individuals with asthma. Given that asthma is a respiratory condition that can cause breathing difficulties, it was reasonable to assume that asthma patients might be at a higher risk of severe illness if infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus can lead to respiratory complications, including pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome, which can be more severe in individuals with underlying respiratory conditions like asthma.

However, as more research has been conducted and data has emerged, it is now believed that having asthma does not necessarily increase the risk of contracting COVID-19. People with asthma are not more likely to be infected with the virus compared to the general population. Nevertheless, it is important for individuals with asthma to remain vigilant in taking preventive measures to avoid COVID-19 transmission, as the long-term effects of COVID-19 on asthma patients are not yet fully understood.

While the risk of acquiring the virus may not be higher for asthma patients, the potential impact of COVID-19 on the long-term health of individuals with asthma is still being investigated. It is crucial for individuals with asthma to continue following public health guidelines, such as practicing good hand hygiene, wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing, and getting vaccinated, to reduce the risk of infection and potential complications.

As more research and data become available, healthcare professionals and experts will gain a better understanding of the specific effects of COVID-19 on individuals with asthma. In the meantime, it is important for individuals with asthma to stay informed, maintain open communication with their healthcare providers, and adhere to recommended preventive measures to protect their health and well-being.

How do the symptoms of an asthma flare-up compare to those of COVID-19?

It can be challenging to differentiate between symptoms of an asthma flare and those of a COVID-19 infection, as both conditions can affect the respiratory system. Dr. Samuel Gurevich explains that sometimes an infection, including COVID-19, can trigger an asthma flare, making it possible to experience both conditions simultaneously.

However, one of the key distinctions between asthma and COVID-19 symptoms is that asthma flare symptoms typically improve with the use of an inhaler, whereas COVID-19 symptoms generally require further treatment with medications like monoclonal antibodies, dexamethasone, and remdesivir for moderate to severe cases.

Symptoms of an asthma flare or attack commonly include chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. On the other hand, according to the CDC, COVID-19 symptoms can include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, loss of taste or smell, headaches, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, and nasal congestion/runny nose.

While there may be some overlapping symptoms, such as shortness of breath and cough, asthma is more likely to present with wheezing and typically occurs after exposure to a known trigger, such as pollen or smoke. Fever, body aches, and loss of taste or smell are not associated with asthma but are common in COVID-19 cases.

Is asthma a risk factor for COVID-19 or severe illness?

Recent studies and data have provided reassurance that asthma is not necessarily associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 diagnosis, hospitalization, severity, or mortality. However, it is still important for individuals with asthma to keep their symptoms under control, especially considering the ongoing circulation of COVID-19.

While asthma itself may not increase the likelihood of getting COVID-19 or experiencing worse outcomes, poorly controlled asthma or any lung deficiency can leave individuals with reduced respiratory reserve, making them potentially more vulnerable to respiratory infections like COVID-19.

Dr. Mandal advises patients with moderate to severe asthma to keep their asthma well-managed, as uncontrolled asthma could potentially lead to worse respiratory symptoms if affected by COVID-19. Additionally, there have been anecdotal reports of patients experiencing asthma-like symptoms after recovering from COVID-19, suggesting a possible impact on the immune system that may require further investigation.

Should people with asthma get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Practicing good hygiene, such as regular handwashing and wearing masks in public, can reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. However, it is evident that higher vaccination rates are closely associated with a decreased risk of infections and hospitalizations, making vaccination the most effective way to combat the virus and restore a sense of normalcy.

Initially, the impact of asthma on COVID-19 complications was not well understood. Experts recognized that patients with moderate to severe uncontrolled asthma may experience worsened respiratory symptoms if infected with COVID-19. Consequently, individuals with asthma were prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination. While they may not have required priority over the general public, it is crucial for asthma patients not to forgo vaccination due to the potential risk of increased asthma symptoms following COVID-19 recovery.

Dr. Mandal emphasizes that although we now know that having asthma does not necessarily increase the risk of COVID-19 complications, it was a prudent decision to prioritize asthma patients until further research was conducted. With the exception of individuals allergic to vaccine components or those who have experienced a previous allergic reaction to the vaccine, it is recommended that everyone receives the COVID-19 vaccine at this stage. Vaccination plays a pivotal role in controlling the spread of the virus and moving towards a return to normalcy.