Asthma and Covid-19: What You Need to Know

If you’re suffering from asthma, you might be wondering how exactly Covid-19 affects you. After all, Covid-19 affects the respiratory system, potentially causing shortness of breath and other severe effects.  How can you protect yourself or your loved ones from the risk of Coronavirus and asthma? Read on to discover all you need to know about asthma and Covid-19.  

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by inflamed airways.  This can make it difficult for asthma sufferers to breathe. Known as a disease of the lungs, common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. While the cause of asthma is unknown, we do know that it’s a chronic, inflammatory disease likely linked to genetic and environmental factors. 

Coronavirus and Asthma

The good news is that those with asthma are not more likely to get Covid-19. However, those with asthma are at a higher risk of experiencing more severe effects on contracting the virus. This is because asthma can compromise respiratory function and a number of symptoms of Covid-19 are respiratory. Other symptoms of Covid-19 are similar to the common cold or flu. These include cough, high temperature or fever, and shortness of breath. 

People of any age can be infected by the virus. Be sure to monitor your symptoms carefully and contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have any concerns. 

How Can I Avoid Getting COVID-19 with Asthma?

In addition to adhering to the rules of social distancing, the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting coronavirus is to practice good hygiene. This includes avoiding the sharing of makeup, food, or eating utensils, and involves washing your hands properly. It’s recommended to use soap and warm water and to wash between 20 to 30 seconds. We recommend using a natural soap, such as this Grass Fed Tallow Soap. It’s perfect for allergy-prone or sensitive skin because it’s made with simple, non-toxic ingredients. 

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. If eczema in any of these areas is prompting you to scratch, we suggest protecting your skin by wearing gloves.  We recommend these unisex Eczema Gloves. Made with eco-friendly TENCEL and embedded with anti-inflammatory zinc, they help prevent scratching during day or night. Their breathable, moisture-wicking properties ensure comfort by preventing sweaty irritation or chafing.

Seasonal allergies can also affect those with allergic asthma. This is particularly important now when spring pollen is at its peak. If pollen triggers your asthma symptoms, it’s important to keep your asthma under control by following the allergy treatment plan laid out for you by your doctor. 

Eczema, Coronavirus and Asthma

If you suffer from asthma there is a high correlation that you also suffer from eczema.  In fact, studies show that 50 to 70 percent of children with atopic dermatitis subsequently develop asthma. We call this the atopic march, a term that refers to the combination of atopic dermatitis, asthma and allergies.

More than 60 million Americans suffer from asthma or allergies. It’s important to understand that these conditions can be severe or even fatal. By continuing to educate the population and increase specific diagnosis, we can hopefully do our part in raising awareness of asthma and reducing mortality rates. 

Now, more than ever, it’s important to keep asthma and allergy symptoms under control in order to avoid a trip to the emergency room. For more information, we recommend checking out this informative video from Health Canada: COVID-19 and Asthma: Lessons Learned and a Look Forward.

References: 

https://asthma.ca/coronavirus-covid-19-and-asthma/

https://community.aafa.org/blog/coronavirus-2019-ncov-flu-what-people-with-asthma-need-to-know