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A Pandemic Lesson for Global Lung Diseases: Exacerbations Are Preventable
William Cookson1, Miriam Moffatt1, Garth Rapeport1
1National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom.
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|February 22, 2022
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced common respiratory infections, including asthma and COPD exacerbations, and bacterial pneumonia. This highlights the impact of respiratory viruses and bacteria on these diseases, suggesting new management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Pandemic control measures drastically reduced seasonal respiratory viral infections globally.
- This reduction correlated with a significant decrease in exacerbations of chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, COPD, and cystic fibrosis.
- Incidence of acute bacterial pneumonia and sepsis also fell worldwide, indicating interconnectedness with viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review changes in exacerbation rates of asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, and pneumonia during the pandemic.
- To highlight the impact of respiratory viruses on these conditions and the gap in clinical translation.
- To advocate for increased investment in managing respiratory pathogens based on pandemic-derived insights.
Main Methods:
- Review of pandemic-related changes in exacerbation rates for asthma, COPD, cystic fibrosis, and pneumonia.
- Analysis of the impact of reduced transmission of respiratory viruses and bacteria.
- Synthesis of existing knowledge on respiratory virus infections in chronic respiratory diseases.
Main Results:
- Global decline in common seasonal respiratory viral infections due to pandemic mitigation measures.
- Significant international decrease (up to 50%) in acute exacerbations of asthma, COPD, and cystic fibrosis.
- Substantial worldwide reduction in acute bacterial pneumonia and sepsis incidence.
Conclusions:
- Common respiratory viruses profoundly influence the course of chronic respiratory diseases and pneumonia.
- Reduced transmission of respiratory bacteria and their interactions with viruses are key factors.
- Pandemic-inspired prevention and treatment strategies for common infections should be integrated into respiratory disease management, warranting further research and investment.
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