Asthma Increases Your Risk for COVID-19 Infection: Myth or a Fact?

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the world by a storm, creating unprecedented health risk for each one of us, and especially for people suffering from comorbid health conditions and respiratory disorders like COPD and asthma. 

Well, a potential link seemed possible. COVID-19 is predominantly a viral respiratory illness that severely affects your respiratory tract – nose, throat and lungs, and all viral illnesses are known to cause asthma exacerbations. That’s why, doctors believed that COVID-19 infection could set off dangerous asthma attacks, leading to various lung complications including pneumonia and pulmonary embolus. 

But till now asthma has shown up only in about 5% of New York State’s fatal COVID cases. So, will your pre-existing asthma increase your risk of respiratory failure due to coronavirus infection? Here’s all you need to know.   

Asthma is Not in the Top 10 Illness Risk Factors for COVID-19

The good news is that various research studies have now contradicted the widely accepted notion that asthmatic patients are at more risk of ICU admissions and deaths due to COVID-19 than others. In fact, asthma is not even in the top 10 illness risk factors for COVID-19. According to a recent research published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, there has been no connection found between asthma and critical cases of COVID-19. The analysis which studied more than 1,500 patients found that asthmatic patients were at ‘NO’ greater risk of hospitalization than patients without asthma. In fact, asthmatic rhinosinusitis, commonly detected in asthmatic patients, actually lowers the risk of hospitalization during to COVID-19 infection. 

But, the study did not take into account different types of asthma and the risk associated with them.   

A Little Precaution Always Helps You Go an Extra Mile

While researches state otherwise, the risk factors of COVID-19 in asthmatic patients still remain unclear. Some research has also suggested that non–allergic asthma may be associated with more severe disease. Whatever may be the case, a little precaution can always help you stay healthy and protected. 

So, if you are suffering from asthma or any other respiratory disorder, it’s important to stay protected. Here are a few ways to keep yourself well-guarded from this deadly COVID-19 virus. 

Always Stay Prepared and Protected

If you are suffering from asthma: 

• Make sure to stock at least a 30-day supply of your medicines 
• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol 
• Avoid close contact with other people and always wear masks in public settings 
• Avoid visiting crowded and public places 

• If someone in your home is sick, quarantine them to reduce the risk of spreading of the virus in your home 

Rigorously Follow Your Asthma Action Plan

Follow these steps to keep your asthma under control: 

• Avoid your asthma triggers 
• Never miss your medicines, including inhalers, steroids, and others
• Do not stop or change your medicines without talking to your healthcare provider 
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet to strengthen your immune system  
• Indulge in 30 minutes of mild-to-moderate physical activity 
• Talk to your healthcare provider if you feel stressed due to ongoing pandemic. Strong emotions can trigger an asthma attack 
• Stay in another room when cleaning or disinfecting is being done at home. Disinfectants can trigger an asthma attack
• Use only cleaning products that are safe for you. Choose disinfectants that are less likely to cause an asthma attack. These include: 

• • products with hydrogen peroxide (>3%) or ethanol 
  • products that are free of peroxyacetic acid or peracetic acid. 

• Keep your home airy and well ventilated 

Get Vaccinated

Given the propensity of disease to cause severe respiratory disorders, it is best to get your COVID-19 shot as soon as it is available to you. It’s completely safe and highly effective in protecting you against COVID-19 infection.

However, if you have questions regarding the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccine in asthmatic patients or if you need help to control your asthma, get in touch with our EPIC healthcare experts today! We can not only help you learn various ways to control and manage your asthma during and after the pandemic, but can also provide you with various tips and tricks to boost your respiratory health.  

At EPIC Health, we are offering COVID-19 vaccination to patients above 18 years of age. Call us at 248-336-4000 to schedule your COVID-19 shot today! We can help you live a Healthier, Happier and Better Life.