World Asthma Day: Effects of Covid-19 on Asthma patients

World Asthma Day: Effects of long Covid-19 on asthma patients

The onset of Covid-19 has raised many health challenges for asthma patients. Here’s how to cut the risk of such infections.

Here’s how Covid-19 added on to the problems in Asthma patients. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

Dr Sivaresmi Unnithan Updated: 5 May 2022, 18:11 pm IST

The effect of Covid-19 on Asthma patients has been quite variable. The younger generation, majorly the females are the most impacted with long Covid-19 and Asthma as per observations.

Furthermore, many patients that were exposed to Covid-19 and had previously suffered from allergic rhinitis developed asthmatic symptoms. Since Covid, a new subset of patients has appeared with symptoms lasting 6 to 8 months such as runny nose, sneezing, dyspnea on exertion, coughing (mainly dry), especially when lying down.

It is this group of people who have never been diagnosed with Asthma and are now at risk of developing it. Although, over the next few months or years it remains to be seen whether these symptoms were because of long Covid-19 infection or because of asthma.

asthma and covid — Research reveals that asthma does not seem to increase the risk of covid-19. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

What is causing the rise of Asthma patients?

Another factor contributing to the rise of Asthma patients is Lifestyle. Younger people who ignored mild indications like sneezing and running nose, especially in the morning, have become victims of the disease. The majority of obese people were also vulnerable to Asthma. Asthmatics who continued to use their inhalers during the Covid-19 illness had some alleviation. Asthmatics who did not use their inhalers on a regular basis had more severe symptoms and poor asthma control.

myths about asthma — Asthma patients should take proper precautions. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

How can Asthma patients cut the health risks?

Needless to say, Asthma patients should be cautious, especially in the humid weather that Kolkata is currently experiencing. People who are allergic to pollen must stay away from places with plenty of flowering plants. The heat and humidity in this part of India is an ideal condition for molds and asthmatics or Covid-19 patients with persistent cough should avoid places that are damp and musty. With public places and work sectors opening up, asthmatics should not forget their masks and their hygiene. N95 is not required but surgical masks should be used to ward off microbes and pollution. To keep Asthma in check, one must keep the inhalers handy at all times. Regular diagnosis is important with timely medicine intake.