Asthma and COVID-19: What Should Asthma Patient Be Doing?

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is scary for all people, but for those with asthma there is great fear that they will have a worse outcome. So it’s natural for asthmatics to fear they may be more at risk during the coronavirus pandemic.

But there’s no need to panic. If we are taking good care of self-health, there’s plenty asthma patients can do to minimise the impact of COVID-19 and can live healthy with asthma.

Good asthma control is the key point to reduce risk

Good asthma control is eminently achievable with regular medication (both relievers and preventers).

That includes:

• having minimal or no day-to-day symptoms
• no night-time waking
• no asthma attacks and
• good lung function, such that you can do all your normal daily activities without any limitation.

Stay healthy, minimize the risk

To minimize your risk of a flare-up with any respiratory virus, including coronavirus, you should:

• check in with your asthma specialist to make sure your asthma control is as good as it can be, and your medications and doses are appropriate.
• make sure you have an up to date written asthma action plan, and keep it handy
• take your preventer medication every day as prescribed

Manage your stress

Stress also can inhibit your immune system and people with asthma may be particularly stressed knowing that their risk of COVID-19 complications is elevated. Try to reduce stress with coping mechanisms such as exercise, healthy eating, and meditation.

In a time of imposed physical isolation and social distancing, it’s also important to reach out to your family, friends, and community groups whether by phone or online.

“Anyone with asthma or another chronic condition should take early note of any symptoms such as shortness of breath, a new or worsening cough, a fever, or severe body aches and reach out to a care provider at the early onset of symptoms.”

These tips however don’t remove the risk of getting infected with COVID-19 completely, having a good control over your asthma can help you have minimal impact.