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Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Is asthma a risk factor for coronavirus disease-2019 worse outcomes? The answer is no, but …
Priscila A Franco1, Sergio Jezler2, Alvaro A Cruz3
1Divisions of Allergy-Immunology and Pulmonology, São Paulo University Hospital, Sao Paulo.
Insights
Individuals with asthma generally face no increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. However, optimal asthma management, including regular medication use and early exacerbation detection, is crucial during the pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition affecting millions worldwide.
- The COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns about risks for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
- Understanding the interplay between asthma and SARS-CoV-2 infection is critical for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the evidence linking asthma to adverse COVID-19 outcomes.
- To provide guidance on best practices for asthma management during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature.
- Analysis of epidemiological data and clinical observations.
- Synthesis of expert recommendations for asthma care.
Main Results:
- Asthma patients are not at higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or severe COVID-19 complications.
- Some evidence suggests asthma patients may have lower hospitalization rates during the pandemic.
- Frequent oral corticosteroid use may be associated with increased risk in some asthma patients.
Conclusions:
- Asthma itself does not appear to increase COVID-19 morbidity or mortality.
- Pandemic-related behavioral changes and reduced respiratory infections may have benefited asthma patients.
- Optimized asthma management, including adherence to medication and proactive care, remains essential.
Purpose Of Review:
To search for evidence on whether having asthma increases the risk of poor outcomes of COVID-19 and report on recommendations on optimal asthma management in times of COVID-19.
Recent Findings:
Patients with asthma are neither at greater risk of becoming infected by SARS-CoV-2 nor they are at risk of complications of COVID-19 but those requiring frequent use of oral corticosteroid may be at greater risk.
Summary:
In general, patients with asthma are not at risk of COVID-19 morbidity or mortality. On the contrary, patients with asthma may be at lower risk of hospitalizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. This may be related to asthma and its treatment, to patient's behavior, to the health system, and to collective changes in activities. It is likely that reduction in respiratory infections because of social distancing, face masks, and hand washing have a role in the reduction in asthma hospitalizations. Management of asthma in times of COVID-19 must be optimized, medication have to be used regularly and exacerbations detected early. Systemic corticosteroids may be used for control of severe asthma or severe exacerbations. Patient education on an action plan is crucial, as well as facilitating communications with the healthcare team.
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