Asthma and Coronavirus (COVID-19): What You Should Know

The current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is affecting people all around the world. Unfortunately, those who have chronic health conditions face an elevated risk of becoming very sick if they are exposed to the virus. If you suffer from a chronic health condition such as asthma or COPD, this can be an especially stressful time.

However, as we learn more about the virus, we are being armed with more information about how to help lower the risk for everyone, including those with chronic lung disease. Read on to learn more about how to optimally manage your asthma during the COVID-19 pandemic and reduce your risk of contracting or spreading the infection.

Why is the COVID-19 virus more dangerous for people who have asthma?

Because COVID-19 preferentially targets the respiratory system (the nose, throat, and lungs), any underlying disease, scarring, or inflammation of the airway or lungs can put a person at an increased risk of developing a more serious infection, such as pneumonia.

When it comes to asthma, respiratory viruses are known to be the most common trigger of asthma flares. However, according to the American College of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology, it is still unknown whether the novel coronavirus is one of the viruses that tends to trigger an asthma exacerbation, so more information is needed.

I have asthma—what exactly is my risk when it comes to COVID-19?

Data analysis conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), evaluated more than 7,000 patients who were treated for COVID-19 disease during the study period of February 12 to March 28, for whom complete information about health history was available. The CDC found that 78% of patients who were being treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) had at least one underlying health condition.

When specific health conditions were examined, the data showed that 21% of COVID-19 patients who had a history of chronic lung disease (which included asthma, COPD, and emphysema) required treatment in the ICU.

Should I continue taking my asthma medications as usual, even during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes. Per the American Lung Association, the best way to lower your risk of developing a severe infection with COVID-19 is by keeping your chronic lung condition well-controlled.

Some studies have shown that steroids, such as prednisone, may decrease the body’s immune response to a COVID-19 infection. However, if you are prescribed a medication that has a steroid component, you should keep taking the medicine. According to an interview with a pulmonologist affiliated with the American Lung Association, there is not a particularly increased risk of contracting COVID-19 associated with using inhaled corticosteroids (such as Symbicort or QVAR), so you should continue using those medications exactly as they have been prescribed. When it comes to the use of oral steroids for flares, make sure to follow up with your health care provider to discuss management.

A current decrease in the U.S. supply of albuterol may add to your concerns regarding asthma management. Make sure to stay on top of your prescriptions and, if your insurer permits it, request a 90-day supply of your medications so that you have an added buffer. Because it is possible to have the COVID-19 virus and not know it, make sure that when you use an albuterol nebulizer you do so in an area that is far removed from other people, as nebulization can expel viral particles into the air.

Medications that are commonly used for asthma management can be expensive, so, particularly during this difficult time when financial resources may be stretched, make sure to use RxSaver to find discount coupons on your prescriptions.

I have asthma—how else should I be taking care of myself during the COVID-19 pandemic?

In addition to stocking up on your medical supplies and discussing your concerns with your medical provider, you can follow these additional tips directly from the CDC on how to take extra precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic if you have asthma:

• Keep your asthma under control by following your asthma action plan.
• Avoid your asthma triggers.
• Take precautions to keep space between yourself and others.
• Avoid crowds and keep away from others who are visibly sick.
• Clean your hands often by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid cruise travel and nonessential air travel.
• Stay home as much as possible to further reduce your risk of being exposed.
• If someone in your home is sick, have them stay away from the rest of the household to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in your home.
• Avoid sharing personal household items such as cups and towels.
• If possible, have someone who doesn’t have asthma do the cleaning and disinfecting of your house. According to the CDC (_ “People with Moderate to Severe Asthma”), _when others use cleaning and disinfecting products, have them minimize the use of disinfectants that trigger asthma attacks.

The health risks associated with COVID-19 have made this an anxiety-provoking time for everyone; even more so if you have a chronic condition like asthma. However, you are largely in control of your personal risk of contracting the virus, and you can use the above guidance to further decrease your risk and concerns. For more information about the novel coronavirus, visit https://www.coronavirus.gov/.