Proper asthma management imperative amid Covid spread

Manav Mander
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, May 4

World Asthma Day is celebrated every year on May 5. With the world facing a pandemic, doctors say many patients consult them with asthma-related questions.

Dr Rajinder Gulati, state awardee and retired SMO, Civil Hospital, Khanna, answers FAQs on Covid-19 and Asthma.

Q. Are people with asthma at increased risk of Covid?

A. People with asthma do not appear to be at increased risk of catching the coronavirus and systematic reviews have also not shown the same in people with well-controlled and mild to moderate asthma.

Q. Are asthmatic people, who are infected with Covid-19, at an increased risk of Covid-related death?

A. Overall, people with well-controlled asthma are not at an increased risk of Covid-related death. However, patients hospitalised with severe asthma and those who had recently needed oral corticosteroids for their asthma, are at an increased risk of Covid-related death.

Q. How important is asthma management, especially during the pandemic?

A. It is important to continue good asthma management, with strategies to maintain good symptom control, reduce the risk of severe exacerbations and minimise the need for oral corticosteroids.

Q. Have there been more asthma exacerbations during the pandemic?

A. No. In 2020, many countries saw a reduction in asthma exacerbations and influenza-related illness. The reasons are not precisely known but it may be due to handwashing, face masks and social/physical distancing that reduced the incidence of other respiratory infections, including influenza.

Q. Are Covid-19 vaccines safe? What is the current advice?

A. In general, allergic reactions to vaccines are rare. However, Covid-19 vaccines should be administered in a healthcare setting where anaphylaxis can be treated. As always, patients should speak to their healthcare provider if they have concerns. At present, based on the risks and benefits, and with the given precautions, Covid-19 vaccination is recommended for people with asthma.

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