Managing adult asthma during the COVID-19 pandemic: A 2022 review and current recommendations.
10.47102/annals-acadmedsg.202285
- Author:
Kheng Yong ONG
1
;
Pei Yee TIEW
;
Mariko Siyue KOH
Author Information
1. Department of Pharmacy, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Adult;
Humans;
COVID-19;
Pandemics/prevention & control*;
COVID-19 Vaccines;
Asthma/epidemiology*;
Infection Control
- From:Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
2022;51(10):637-647
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
INTRODUCTION:This review aims to examine asthma management during the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHOD:Relevant recommendations and articles were identified by respiratory professional societies and PubMed search using the terms "asthma" and "COVID-19", and examined for relevance and inclusion in this study.
RESULTS:Recommendations for the management of asthma have remained similar but are now supported by new evidence between the years 2020 and 2022. Patients with well-controlled, mild-to-moderate asthma are unlikely to be at increased risk of acquiring COVID-19 or having worse outcomes from COVID-19. All asthma patients should receive COVID-19 vaccination. Spirometry can be performed with the usual strict infection control procedures unless there is a suspicion of COVID-19. Mask-wearing and other health measures remain important for asthma patients.
CONCLUSION:While previous recommendations were largely based on expert opinion, the tremendous amount of literature published since the pandemic first emerged 2 years ago has helped guide respiratory professional bodies to update their recommendations. This study provides a timely review of the various recommendations and can be used to guide healthcare professionals in managing asthma patients, as the world prepares for a future with COVID-19 becoming endemic. The long-term consequences of COVID-19 infection in asthma patients and the ripple effects of COVID-19 remain uncertain and deserve ongoing study.
