Ziqitza Healthcare - unfolds the evidence on COVID-19 and Asthma

 

COVID-19 is considered the most critical health pandemic of the 21st century. Due to the extremely high transmission rate, people are more susceptible to viral infection. COVID-19 patients having chronic type-2 asthma prevails a major risk as it may aggravate the disease and morbidities.

Ziqitza being into healthcare spaces understands Asthma as a major public health challenge and one of the most common chronic disorders not only in India but worldwide, affecting approximately 272 million people of all ages. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is dreadful for all people, but asthmatic patients dread they will have a worse outcome or be more likely to contract the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs. The illness inflames the bronchial airways and causes them to get narrow, making it harder to breathe for an individual. A severe case of asthma can also make it difficult for someone to stay active or even talk.

The disease results in a swelling of bronchial tubes in the lungs of an individual which damages them severely. During normal breathing, the bands of muscle surrounding your airways are relaxed which leads to easy movement of air. Due to asthma, however, the muscles get stiff making it harder for the air to pass through.Individuals suffering from the illness also have delicate airways that frequently overreact and narrow during the slightest of triggers.

People with asthma develop infections of the lower respiratory tract (LRT) more frequently than those without, and episodes of LRT infection in asthmatic patients are longer and more severe. In people with poorly controlled asthma, viral infections of the respiratory system cause more acute symptoms than people with well-controlled asthma.

Ziqitza Rajasthan and ZHL Rajasthan says there isn’t any evidence to show that asthma patients are at a higher risk of catching the COVID-19 virus, but they need to be more careful when they test positive as any respiratory virus can exacerbate their condition. Just as patients of asthma take precautions to avoid any potential environmental triggers, they need to be extra careful about wearing the mask, practicing social distancing, hand sanitizing and all other hygiene protocols to reduce chances of infections.

Dr. SantoshDatar from Ziqitza Healthcare Limited Remarked That currently there is a lot of research going on between the impact of COVID-19 infection on asthma and vice versa.  Current evidence indicates that asthma patients may not be at a higher risk of catching COVID-19 infection. However, patients in whom asthma is poorly controlled may be at a higher risk of hospitalization.  There is no need to panic and all asthma patients should take following precautions

Ziqitza Limited suggests some precautions to be taken:

1.       If you have someone at home who is suffering from asthma then avoid spraying deodorants or perfumes at home as this can trigger asthma.

2.       Say no to candles with fragrance, air freshener, or incense stick.

3.       Clean the house from time to time.

4.       Avoid indoor pollution and dust. Try to limit the number of pollens in the house by keeping your windows closed.

5.       Do not smoke at all or even use a wood-burning stove.

6.       In case, someone has asthma then keeps him/her away from the pets and pet dander.

7.       Avoid serving foods that may trigger asthma. Keep away processed foods, foods with additives, and preservatives from the person having asthma.

8.       One with asthma should take their medications, on a daily basis.