Asthma and COVID-19

Abstract

Objectives: Highlight the asthma situation in this pandemic. Describe the safety aspects of patients and health professionals. Discuss its severity, control, risk factors, therapeutic management of chronic disease and its exacerbations. Methods: Data were collected from the scientific literature on the topic asthma in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. A search was performed in PubMed databases, using the descriptors: asthma, coronavirus infections, pandemics, risk factors, drug therapy and spirometry. Results: Asthma has not been identified as a significant risk factor for severe COVID-19 disease, perhaps due to the lower expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme receptors in atopic asthma. Groups were identified, among severe asthmatics, with greater expression of these receptors. Conclusions: Nebulizers should be avoided, spacers should not be shared and spirometry or peak expiratory flow measurement is not recommended. All asthmatics should be maintained on inhaled corticosteroids. Short-acting beta2-agonist only treatment is not recommended from the age of 12. As-needed low dose inhaled corticosteroid with formoterol is the prefered reliever for this age group and can be offered together on the same device. From 6 to 11-years-old, reliever medication should preferably be short-acting beta2-agonists, associated with low dose inhaled corticosteroids and applied in separate devices. In severe asthma, tiotropium should precede the indication of the immunobiological and this, when in use, should not be interrupted.