About 25 million people in the US have asthma, a respiratory disorder in which the airway becomes inflamed and causes the person to experience difficulty breathing.1 For patients with asthma, the current COVID-19 pandemic is especially worrisome. The human coronavirus is a highly contagious respiratory virus that infects and inflames the lungs and is spread through airborne droplets from breathing, sneezing, or coughing.
Although those with asthma are no more likely to become infected with this coronavirus than anyone else, an infection may increase the risk of experiencing severe symptoms.
How Does COVID-19 Affect People with Asthma?
COVID-19 affects the upper respiratory tract and in severe cases, makes its way into the lungs. For individuals with asthma whose airway is inflamed, this can intensify the feelings of breathlessness caused by COVID-19 and increase risk of complications. One such complication is known as acute respiratory distress syndrome, in which the immune system begins to attack the body, causing greater damage to the lungs and heart.2
Is Coronavirus More Dangerous for People with Asthma?
Currently, asthma is not a direct cause of COVID-19 infection. However, individuals suffering from this underlying condition may have an increased risk of complications if infected. Asthma sufferers may also be at a higher risk of hospitalization if infected with the coronavirus.
The CDC notes that roughly 75% of adult COVID-19 patients who wound up in the hospital had at least one underlying health issue, including respiratory illnesses such as asthma.3
Extra Care and Precautions for People with Asthma to Prevent COVID-19
The most important steps we can take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to follow the CDC guidelines of social distancing, washing our hands and sanitizing frequently used surfaces. For individuals living with asthma and other respiratory illnesses, there are a number of other steps you can take to protect yourself.
Stay Home
Don’t compromise lung health further by making trips to the grocery store or other heavily populated areas. Instead, consider food and grocery delivery services or ask friends and family to bring you supplies.
Stock Up on Asthma Medications
Speak with your doctor about maintaining a 30-day supply of your asthma medications. This can help in the event of unforeseen emergencies. If you are currently using a nebulizer or oxygen concentrator to treat your asthma, be sure to keep extra supplies, such as filters, tubing and cannulas on hand.
Keeping Your Oxygen Equipment Clean and Maintained
Be sure to clean and sanitize your oxygen and nebulizer equipment, such as masks and hoses, as recommended by the manufacturer. Update essential accessories that are getting old, such as nasal cannula and tubing to help minimize contamination.
Maintain Your Normal Asthma Treatment
The most important way to stay healthy during the pandemic is to continue using your asthma medications as you normally would to manage flare-ups and minimize asthma attacks. Neglecting to use your medicine can compromise your immune system and leave you more vulnerable to infection. The best way to avoid infection is to simply stay healthy.
If you have recently been prescribed respiratory therapy for asthma, or have questions regarding your current treatment, The Oxygen Concentrator Supplies Shop is here to help. Our expert customer care team is available to answer any questions or offer advice on equipment. Simply give us a call at 888-941-1688 or email us at contact@oxygenconcentratorsupplies.com.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most Recent National Asthma Data. 2020 Mar 24. Accessed June 1, 2020.
- Repinski K. Asthma, COPD, Lung Disease, and Coronavirus: What to Know About Your Risk. Creaky Joints. 2020 Apr 3. Accessed June 1, 2020.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hospitalization Rates and Characteristics of Patients hospitalized with Laboratory-Confirmed Coronavirus Disease. 2020 Apr 17. Accessed June 1, 2020.
