Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation in the airways. This inflammation causes narrowing of the airways, which leads to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and a cough.
Asthma is classified as mild, moderate, or severe. On average, patients with mild asthma experience symptoms two days per week. Patients with moderate asthma experience symptoms daily, and at least one night per week. These symptoms often take several days to resolve. Patients with severe asthma experience symptoms several times per day, and several nights a week.
Since COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that primarily affects the respiratory tract, it is especially concerning for asthmatic patients who already experience respiratory symptoms from their condition.
Studies suggest that most people with asthma may be at slightly higher risk of serious illness from coronavirus than the general population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning that patients with moderate-to-severe asthma who contract COVID-19 are at a higher risk for serious complications, including asthma attacks, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress.
In light of that information, here are tips every asthma patient should follow during these Covid times.
1. Take every precaution to prevent an infection.
The old saying ‘’prevention is better than cure” has never been truer than now. Taking every precaution possible to prevent contracting COVID-19 is the most effective way for asthma patients to stay healthy. By wearing a mask (even if the mask-wearing mandate has been eased), washing your hands frequently, not touching your face, frequently disinfecting surfaces, and practicing social distancing, you’ll minimize your chance of suffering from the coronavirus and the complications it can cause.
2. Get as much fresh air as possible.
Closed spaces pose two risks for asthmatic patients. COVID-19 is more likely to spread when people are in closed spaces because droplets take longer to dissipate when there is limited space and a lack of natural ventilation.
Closed spaces also pose a risk to asthma patients who are frequently using chemical sprays to disinfect indoor spaces, since being in close contact with these sprays can irritate the airways and trigger an asthma attack.
For these reasons, it’s helpful to get as much fresh air as possible (following the social distancing guideline by all mean), and keep doors and windows open as much as possible, especially while using disinfectant sprays and other cleaning agents.
3. Follow guidelines for vulnerable populations.
Persons with moderate-to-severe asthma are at a higher risk of serious complications, if they contract the coronavirus, it’s imperative for these patients to follow the more conservative recommendations issued for vulnerable populations.
4. Stock up on your medications.
Keep all of your asthma medications on hand so you don’t run the risk of running out or not having the medication at hand. Asthma attacks can happen anywhere and anytime.
5. Follow your asthma treatment plan.
Every asthma patient should work with their healthcare provider to create an asthma treatment plan. This plan tells you what medication(s) to take and when, depending on the frequency and severity of your symptoms, and when to seek medical attention if the symptoms aren’t resolving. Following this treatment plan is essential, since addressing symptoms early can prevent asthma attacks and other significant complications.
6. Don’t change your asthma plan without consulting your healthcare provider.
Do not alter medications on your asthma treatment plan due to misinformation. If you’re considering a change to your asthma treatment plan, make sure you consult your healthcare provider before you make any changes.
7. Avoid your asthma triggers.
In many cases, asthma symptoms are induced by exposure to certain triggers, including smoke, pet dander, dust, mold, and pollen. It’s important to stay healthy by recognizing and avoiding your asthma triggers as much as possible.
8. Have a low threshold for seeking medical attention.
If you’re experiencing asthma symptoms that aren’t responding to your asthma treatment plan, including shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, dizziness, or rapid breathing, seek medical attention as soon as possible, since early intervention can often prevent serious or even life-threatening complications.
It’s also important to seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing symptoms that could indicate a COVID-19 infection, including a fever, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, or loss of taste or smell.
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