The Influence of COVID-19 on Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis

This study was supported by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF2018R1A6A1A03025523). ABSTRACT As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues, doctors face many difficulties in managing patients with respiratory allergies. As research continues, much new knowledge has emerged about the link between COVID-19 infection and respiratory allergies. Studies to date have shown that there is no significant increase in the risk of COVID-19 infection in patients with respiratory allergies. However, in patients undergoing treatment for moderate to severe asthma or allergic rhinitis, more severe clinical manifestations, increased hospitalization period, and increased mortality may occur, so patients need to be managed with more care. In addition to personal efforts, social consideration should be accompanied to prevent deterioration in patients’ quality of life with respiratory allergies due to COVID-19. Lastly, as clinical doctors, we should treat patients with respiratory allergies to protect ourselves appropriately by actively utilizing remote medical treatment and minimizing tests that generate droplets. Also, by appropriately educating patients and continuing drug treatment, efforts should be made to ensure that patients receive the best treatment even in a pandemic situation.