From the Guidelines
Developing asthma after COVID-19 infection requires immediate medical attention to prevent long-term lung damage and improve quality of life. COVID-19 infection can potentially trigger asthma symptoms or worsen pre-existing asthma in some individuals, as it can damage airways and trigger inflammatory responses that lead to airway hyperreactivity and asthma symptoms 1. If you've developed asthma-like symptoms after COVID-19, consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Treatment typically includes rescue inhalers like albuterol (2 puffs every 4-6 hours as needed) for immediate symptom relief and possibly controller medications such as inhaled corticosteroids (like fluticasone or budesonide, typically used daily) to manage inflammation 1.
Key Considerations
- Identifying and avoiding triggers like allergens, irritants, and respiratory infections is crucial for management.
- COVID-19 can cause damage to the respiratory muscles, leading to persistent dyspnea and other functional limitations 1.
- Regular follow-up appointments are important to adjust your treatment plan as needed, especially as your lungs recover from COVID-19 infection.
- Pulmonary function tests may be recommended to monitor your lung function over time.
Treatment Approach
- Controller medications such as inhaled corticosteroids should be used daily to manage inflammation and prevent asthma exacerbations.
- Combination inhalers containing both a corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator may be prescribed for moderate to severe cases.
- Respiratory muscle testing and training may be beneficial in improving dyspnea and other key functional outcomes in patients with COVID-19 1.
From the Research
Developing Asthma after Covid Infection
- There is limited research directly addressing the development of asthma after Covid infection.
- However, studies have investigated the relationship between Covid-19 and asthma, including the risk of severe disease and the use of corticosteroids in treatment 2, 3, 4.
- One study found that asthma diagnosis may be a risk factor for severe Covid-19, especially for those with severe disease or nonallergic phenotypes 4.
- Another study suggested that Covid-19 does not appear to provoke asthma exacerbations, and asthma therapeutics should be continued for patients with exposure to Covid-19 4.
- Research on inhaled corticosteroids for the treatment of Covid-19 found that they may reduce admission to hospital or death and increase resolution of all initial symptoms at day 14 5.
- The current literature on asthma and Covid-19 is rapidly evolving, and clinicians must make case-by-case decisions to implement or continue current asthma therapy 6.
- Overall, while there is no direct evidence on developing asthma after Covid infection, the existing research provides insights into the complex relationship between asthma and Covid-19 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.