Using inhalers to counter Covid-related asthma attacks

Coronavirus has brought on a lot of uncertainty ever since the pandemic started. Primarily a respiratory disease, Covid-19 affects different people in different ways. A fair amount of research is being sanctioned by different countries and medical organisations to know more about this disease and the best way to treat different patients. Practitioners are advising patients to disclose their complete medical history to determine comorbidities. Given the nature of the disease and the rising amount of pollution, people with breathing ailments like asthma and COPD are almost certain to be hospitalised.

Asthma is a condition where a person’s airway becomes inflamed and narrows down, causing breathlessness. Usually, asthma is a minor condition that can be managed using different treatment methods. However, breathlessness is also a common symptom of Covid-19 and can lead to dangerous attacks in asthma patients. Therefore, it is essential for people who have asthma to consult their physicians at the earliest sign or any symptoms.

Statistics say about 1 in 10 asthma patients worldwide reside in India, which makes it very important to know the correct course of action. Our knowledge may help save someone’s life. The most crucial step is to ensure anyone in your circle who is asthmatic has got both doses of the vaccine. Data from the last wave has shown that the hospitalisations in fully vaccinated patients are substantially low and will act as the first wall of defense if you are infected.

In the last two years, many viable treatment options have come out to manage the comorbidities in coronavirus patients. For asthmatics, keeping an inhaler close remains one of the most basic requirements, as any amount of stress or exertion can cause breathlessness that may lead to an attack. Each day new remedies for Covid-19 management are coming up, but inhalers are the most basic way to control an asthma attack, and they should be kept handy.

There were rumours at the beginning that taking an inhaler can weaken the immune system response and help Covid-19, which were found to be unsubstantiated. The inhalers are instrumental in relaxing your airway when you are having symptoms. It is essential not to fall prey to false information and continue taking inhalers when prescribed. The most important thing is to have asthma well-controlled so that when Covid-19 affects you, the lungs can fight it off.

Maintaining a good routine and keeping our bodies physically in the best condition is also instrumental in keeping our symptoms in check. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and exercising your lungs regularly will also give your immune system a boost against Covid-19; however, always advise your physician before indulging.

For an asthmatic, the thought of a global pandemic that targets people’s lungs is scary, but it is important to arm ourselves with all the facts. With constant research and innovation coming around every day, we are learning how to manage Covid-19. The important thing is to be aware of what you might need, keep an inhaler handy, check your oxygen randomly and if you feel any trouble, contact your doctor, and follow their advice to the tee.

The writer is Senior Consultant – Respiratory Department, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Saket.