Study Examines Asthma Patients’ Risk of COVID-19

Overview of Research Findings

Researchers from Rutgers University have published an article in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, evaluating the relationship between asthma and COVID-19. Current evidence suggests that individuals with asthma do not have a higher likelihood of contracting COVID-19 or experiencing more severe symptoms compared to those without asthma. However, the authors emphasize that further studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Possible Reasons for Lower Risk

The Rutgers team identifies several factors that may explain why asthma patients appear less affected by COVID-19. The heightened awareness surrounding the pandemic may have led to improved management of asthma, including better adherence to medication. Additionally, social distancing and home quarantine have likely reduced exposure to seasonal allergens and triggers, positively influencing asthma management and overall health.

Age as a Contributing Factor

Age plays a significant role in assessing COVID-19 risk among asthma patients. Many individuals with asthma are younger, and susceptibility to COVID-19 increases with age. Younger asthma patients typically experience allergic inflammation, while older individuals may develop a more severe form of the condition. An enzyme associated with the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into cells varies with age and may help in clearing other respiratory viruses, particularly in children. The impact of this enzyme on the susceptibility to COVID-19 remains uncertain, warranting the development of age-adjusted models for further investigation.

Comorbidities and Their Impact

Asthma patients generally have fewer comorbidities compared to those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cardiovascular disease (CVD). This distinction may be influenced by age and the lifestyle factors associated with COPD and CVD. Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension increase susceptibility to COVID-19, although older asthma patients with these comorbidities may exhibit similar infection rates as their COPD and CVD counterparts.

The Role of Inhaled Corticosteroids

Inhaled corticosteroids, commonly prescribed to manage asthma, may also influence the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Some research indicates that these medications could reduce the virus’s ability to establish an infection. However, other studies suggest that steroids might delay the clearance of SARS and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. Future research is needed to determine whether inhaled corticosteroids increase or decrease the risk of COVID-19 infection.

Conclusion and Future Research Directions

While current findings indicate that asthma does not appear to elevate the risk of COVID-19 or affect its severity, additional research is essential. Future studies should focus on the interplay between age, asthma treatments, and biological factors in relation to COVID-19 risk among asthma patients.

References

EurekAlert!. 2020. Asthma Does Not Seem To Increase The Severity Of COVID-19. [online] Available at: [Accessed 7 July 2020].
Panettieri, R., Carson, J., Horton, D., Barrett, E., Roy, J., and Radbel, J., 2020. Asthma and COVID: What Are the Important Questions?. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.
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