Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 24, 2025

Setup of Consumer Wearable Devices for Exposure and Health Monitoring in Population Studies
15:00

Setup of Consumer Wearable Devices for Exposure and Health Monitoring in Population Studies

Published on: February 3, 2023

2.6K

Asthma medication use and health care utilization evolution during pandemic times

Lisa Ulrich1,2,3, Joshua Yell4, Melissa Holtzlander1,2

  • 1Pediatric Pulmonology Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus, Columbus, Ohio, USA.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|July 4, 2023
PubMed

Insights

The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic led to increased pediatric asthma emergency department visits in 2021. This surge coincided with a significant drop in controller asthma medication prescriptions, suggesting adherence issues may be a key factor.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Healthcare
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic significantly disrupted pediatric asthma care, initially causing a decline in healthcare utilization.
  • Understanding the evolving impact of the pandemic on asthma management is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare Emergency Department (ED) utilization and asthma medication prescription fill rates between 2020 and 2021.
  • To evaluate changes in pediatric asthma care later in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of pediatric Medicaid population data in a specific county.
  • Comparison of ED visits and prescription fill rates for controller and quick-relief asthma medications from March-December 2020 versus March-December 2021.

Main Results:

  • A 46.7% increase in pediatric asthma ED utilization was observed in 2021 compared to 2020 (p=0.0371).
  • No significant change in reliever medication fills occurred, but controller medication fills significantly declined (p=0.0039).
  • Increased viral positivity rates were noted during the period of increased ED visits and decreased controller medication use.

Conclusions:

  • Decreased controller medication adherence may explain the resurgence in pediatric asthma ED utilization during the later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The findings highlight a potential need for new interventions to improve medication adherence in pediatric asthma patients.
  • Poor medication adherence despite increased ED visits indicates a critical gap in current asthma management strategies.

Keywords:
asthmacoronavirushealth care utilizationpandemic

More Related Videos

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma14:39

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma

Published on: November 4, 2010

32.0K
Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic09:03

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Published on: November 7, 2020

4.9K

Related Concept Videos

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
452
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
2.5K
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
2.5K
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification01:26

Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification

Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
2.7K
Asthma-IV: Nursing Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Nursing Management

The nursing management of asthma is a comprehensive approach that relies heavily on the expertise and dedication of healthcare professionals. It involves thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, strategic planning, effective implementation, and diligent evaluation. By meticulously following this step-by-step process, healthcare professionals play a crucial role in providing the best possible care and treatment for patients with asthma, enhancing their overall health and well-being.
First, in...
3.2K
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
2.7K