{"id":5602,"date":"2020-07-24T07:35:45","date_gmt":"2020-07-24T07:35:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gwinnettlung.com\/?p=1"},"modified":"2026-05-21T01:23:20","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T01:23:20","slug":"asthma-and-covid-19-what-patients-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/frenik.net\/gps\/blog\/asthma-and-covid-19-what-patients-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Asthma and COVID-19: What Patients Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Overview of Asthma and Covid-19<\/h2>\n

Being able to breathe without issue is something we often take for granted. When you have asthma, however, breathing is one of the only things you think about. Asthma affects approximately 12 million Americans<\/a>, and that number continues to grow each day. Those suffering from asthma experience chronic coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. These symptoms can be problematic in the face of COVID-19. In this article, you\u2019ll learn all about asthma. We\u2019ll cover symptoms, risk factors, treatment, and how to avoid COVID-19 as an asthmatic.<\/p>\n

In this article, you\u2019ll learn all about asthma. We\u2019ll cover symptoms, risk factors, treatment, and how to avoid COVID-19 as an asthmatic.<\/p>\n

What is Asthma?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Asthma is a chronic lung condition<\/a> that affects a person\u2019s breathing patterns and often causes wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and asthma attacks. Asthma is a lifelong condition that can be grouped into four categories: intermittent<\/strong>, persistent-mild<\/strong>, persistent-moderate<\/strong>, and persistent-severe<\/strong>. Although asthma is chronic, the symptoms are manageable with proper treatment and precautions.<\/p>\n

Asthmatics can have symptoms triggered by a variety of things, including chemicals, cigarette smoke, and various allergens (e.g. dust and pet dander). Symptoms may also appear if the sufferer contracts a viral respiratory infection, like COVID-19. When symptoms are triggered, the person is at risk for an asthma attack. These attacks are capable of lasting anywhere from a few minutes to a few days; they are even known to be deadly. It is vital to keep your doctor up to date about your asthma and notify him or her if your symptoms worsen or if you experience an asthma attack.<\/p>\n

Why Asthmatics Should Be Wary of COVID-19<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If a patient suffering from asthma contracts a viral respiratory infection, his or her symptoms can worsen, making daily life incredibly taxing. COVID-19 is one of the most contagious and deadly viral respiratory infections today. Doctors worry asthmatics are at a higher risk<\/a> of contracting this disease and experiencing more severe symptoms, including hospitalization. While this projection is not conclusive, it\u2019s something asthma sufferers should keep in mind.<\/p>\n

To avoid contracting the virus, asthmatics should follow the guidelines set out by the CDC<\/a>, and follow the asthma action plan<\/a> set up by their doctor to manage symptoms and lower the chance of contracting COVID-19.<\/p>\n

Many experts also recommend<\/a> the following:<\/p>\n