I find I can do best in lightweight cloth masks like the 3 ply ones at Old Navy, with a mask brace underneath it to hold it off the face some, a stick-on metal nosepiece so it doesn't leak/fog glasses (they come in packs of 100 on Amazon for cheap), and avoid strenuous activity while wearing it, I usually only wear it inside and 6 foot distance both in and outside, AND if its for long periods, I found these fan necklaces that are quiet but blow air up on you to help reduce the heat/humidity caused by the mask-- I find the heat/humidity is what bothers my asthma most and those things all help. Also -- glasses defogger wipes or the special coating on your glasses are helpful if you wear them. The main thing is to stay calm and keep breathing steady, and not be too active. Mask breaks are helpful, outside 6 feet from others. N95s are a quite a bit more difficult for me for longer periods but if others arent masking around me or its a high risk environment, I use them short term until I get out of that environment.

So yeah.. Fan necklace:

https://www.bedbathandbeyond.c...wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

No one is regulating Indoor temp, humidity, PM 2.5, CO2, NO2 air quality levels.. Be careful make sure you obtain IAQ and Surface protection info from fellow asthma members or certified IAQ and Surface protection contractors. 

You better buy a proper mask Exposure to CO2 can produce a variety of health effects. These may include headaches, dizziness, restlessness, a tingling or pins or needles feeling, difficulty breathing, sweating, tiredness, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, coma, asphyxia, and convulsions...
ask for 2020 certification when seeking IAQ and surface Protection...

Hello @karim. I think maybe your question got lost in the spring. There are many updates since then. Take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions at the end of the blog above. Click them to open.

Two especially for you:

Are people with asthma at higher risk of catching the new coronavirus? (Updated 7/16/20)

Are people with asthma at higher risk of more severe symptoms from COVID-19? (Updated 6/25/20)

Hang in there!  All the best.

Why quats & chlorine bleach cause asthma and the lobbyist keep blocking for big business??

@Tanner Marie Martinez posted:

Hello, I have asthma. Should asthma people wear masks? I have to go back to school soon and we all have to wear masks. Masks bother me, because it makes it hard to breath and starts to make me have an attack. I hope, I don’t have to even thought it is a lot of exposure. Thanks

Hi @Tanner Marie Martinez here is our updated guidance on masks. I hope it helps! 

Lorene 

Glad you found a mask that works for you. 

My doctor recommended using an N95 mask with a cooling feature. I don't know how hard these are to get since most need to go to medical professionals, but we just happened to have some from a purchase for another purpose 10 months ago. They make breathing MUCH easier.

Hi Tanner - we are working on resources for people with asthma about masks. We'll have an update soon. 

Hello, I have asthma. Should asthma people wear masks? I have to go back to school soon and we all have to wear masks. Masks bother me, because it makes it hard to breath and starts to make me have an attack. I hope, I don’t have to even thought it is a lot of exposure. Thanks

Thank you. Still a bit of a struggle, but I am able to rest because my wife is taking up my slack, bless her heart. I do not think I've turned the corner because, after improving  earlier in the week, I began to get more ill again as the week has evolved. I understand that this happens with his virus, so I'm just going to take as long as I need to recover.

@Wolfbane I am so sorry to hear you have COVID-19, but thank goodness you are not as ill as you could be. 

How are you feeling after 2 weeks, do you think you've turned the corner? 

Sending healing vibes your way!

Lorene 

I have COVID-19 and asthma. I also have other health conditions and am over 65. I am not as ill as I expected (going on two weeks with it). I have to wonder of those of us on corticosteroids have some protection from the inflammation that is so deadly with COVID-19. I have to be on prednisone for adrenal insufficiency as well as well, so it's a bit different for me, but with the mortality rate for asthmatics with COVID-19 being below what would be expected, it gives me pause about this link.

People suffering from severe to moderate asthma are considered at high risk of getting infected from the coronavirus. The virus affects your respiratory tract, and most probably, it can trigger an asthma attack. There is also a possibility that the situation gets more critical and led to pneumonia and acute respiratory disease. Pharmaceutical companies are still working on the COVID19 mediation, and it will take a few months to be available in the market. So, the best way to avoid getting exposed to coronavirus is to stay at home, eat healthy food, maintain social distancing, and take your asthma medication on time. Ventolin inhaler helps to cope up with an asthma attack and easily available online to purchase from Alldaychemist.com.

Anthony Constantinou says, “We need to keep our preventer inhaler daily as prescribed. This will be helpful to cut risk of an asthma attack being triggered by coronavirus or any respiratory virus.”

@Maja posted:

Hi i am from Europe. And i have asthma for many years. I am very scared now because COVID19. I follow all instructions. I haven't been out of the apartment already 2 months. I live with my parents who are retired. Only my father went out for food once a week and always wore a mask. I have had a low temperature 37.2 for 14 days. It changes during the day. In the morning I don't have and in the evening increases to 37.2 when I fall asleep it is normal. I don't have other symptoms. What is happening to me?

Hi @Maja - it sounds like you're doing everything right. I'm sorry you have a fever. Calling your doctor and asking what you should do is recommended. 

Many of us are scared as well - sending hugs! Please let us know what your doctor says and keep us posted on how you are feeling. 

Lorene 

Hi i am from Europe. And i have asthma for many years. I am very scared now because COVID19. I follow all instructions. I haven't been out of the apartment already 2 months. I live with my parents who are retired. Only my father went out for food once a week and always wore a mask. I have had a low temperature 37.2 for 14 days. It changes during the day. In the morning I don't have and in the evening increases to 37.2 when I fall asleep it is normal. I don't have other symptoms. What is happening to me?

It seems from the information that I've read about COVID-19, the virus is highly unpredictable; symptoms and outcomes vary widely, depending on the strength of each individual's immune system, comorbidities, and age. Physicians and researchers are still uncovering many details of how the virus affects different patient populations, and they learn new information every day. They report that some with underlying conditions survive the virus, while many others die, which is why health experts have advised everyone, especially those with underlying conditions at any age, to take all precautions. As far as comparing COVID-19 to car accidents, it was interesting to read that statistics show approximately 40,000 people in the U.S. die in car accidents each year. As of today, it has been reported that more than twice that amount, over 80,000 people in the U.S., have died of COVID-19, within months. Surprisingly, we have a much greater chance of dying from COVID-19 than from perishing in a car accident. Stats also show that the current COVID-19 death rate in the U.S. has reached 6%, and an individual state's percentage is as high as 8%: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/us/. Stay safe out there. 

Hi Karim, I have cold induced, which can also be induced by a sharp change in temperature by 35 degrees in less than 24 hours,and I don't think ive gotten more than a 200 on my flow. I also haven't had to use my nebulizer in just over a year and spent most of my morning winters in the ER. My mothers friend is one of the head nurses for the covid situation here in New Jersey, I explained how I felt weeks ago to her the other day, she confirmed that I may have in fact had it. I did not however contract pneumonia, nor was it all that bad. I took my inhaler and I was fine, tbh if i did have it, it was underwelming. Plus the death rate for not just us but anyone who has been infected across every state is 3%. Thats just higher than the number of car accidents you may see in a week at this point. Take some light asthmatic precautions and you'll be fine(as long as you are under 60).

@Kathy P @Melissa G, thank you both for the links. I'll be sure to check out both of those!

Melissa G posted:

Savail, here is a free online asthma care course. It goes over asthma triggers, symptoms and medications. 

Melissa G posted:

Hi Islandgirl, welcome to the AAFA forums! That is a great question, have you consulted with your dr about your concern?

You can also submit your question to our "Ask The Allergist". 

Savail, you are correct, there is conflicting information on wearing masks. This is the latest recommendation from the CDC for people with asthma. Have you ever seen an allergist or pulmonologist? 

Hello..yes..I am now on maintenance and was told that it is "building" my immune system. 

Hi @Islandgirl - that's a great question and we did ask our medical experts about allergy shots:

Should I Continue to Get Allergy Shots During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

With spring pollen on the rise in the U.S., regular allergy shots are an effective way to help you manage your allergy and allergic asthma symptoms. Check with your allergist's office to find out what changes they have made to how they are giving allergy shots. Continue with your allergy shot schedule unless your allergist tells you differently, practicing proper social distancing.

Hi @savail -  AAFA has reached out to the CDC to share concerns and questions about masks and face coverings. We will update our community as new information develops.

During pregnancy, wimen can see their asthma symptoms get better, worse or stay the same. It's sounds like yours may have gotten worse. Have you checked bin with your doctor about your increased issues? They can best guide you to a treatment plan that will keep you and the baby safe and healthy. www.aafa.org/pregnancy

Savail, here is a free online asthma care course. It goes over asthma triggers, symptoms and medications. 

Miss Melissa, no, I have not unless it was when I was a young child. I know I was diagnosed with sinus problems around threeish and that on more than one occasion, they told my mother I would always have breathing problems without some kind of surgery. I was 'prescribed' a variety of different generic OTC allergy/sinus meds from childhood all the way through high school. I didn't have issues with activity or sports at the time, and according to doctors had adjusted well, so really, the only tell was that I constantly had bags under my eyes from a young age and struggled to eat with my mouth closed.

When I started having wheezing fits in high school, we just assumed it was sinus/bronchitis related, and I dealt with it, because we didn't realize there was anything that could be done. Menthol cough drops were my best friend if I had to do any activity, and I tried to stay indoors if people were burning cedar. When I was older, if I was having trouble breathing around bedtime, I'd drink an energy drink for the one-two combo of it putting me to sleep and making it a bit easier to breathe.

And yes, I've been keeping an eye on both the CDC page that you linked and the FAQ page about cloth coverings, which just states not to if you have "breathing problems." Very helpfully vague. I appreciate your response!

Hi Islandgirl, welcome to the AAFA forums! That is a great question, have you consulted with your dr about your concern?

You can also submit your question to our "Ask The Allergist". 

Savail, you are correct, there is conflicting information on wearing masks. This is the latest recommendation from the CDC for people with asthma. Have you ever seen an allergist or pulmonologist? 

I keep finding conflicting recommendations from places online about whether or not those with asthma or other breathing issues should wear a face covering. Normally, my asthma is mostly just set off by mold or the heat (or both, because mold is a real **** when it gets hot and humid outside), but since becoming pregnant, it's just been all around bad and hard to breathe in general. I try to minimize the amount I use my inhaler, but all of the disinfectants in use haven't been helping any, either. I've tried to wear a face covering, but even without being up and moving around, I end up struggling to breathe. For example, just sitting on the couch working at sewing one had me out of breath once! I may talk on the phone one day to my mother for an hour and be fine, but another day end up out-of-breath and using my inhaler for the same activity, without any clear trigger.

I don't actually have any idea about spirometry levels or preventative meds or anything of the sort because I never actually had proper asthma testing done despite lifelong breathing problems (something about nasal passages and sinuses and narrowed something-or-other that leaves me prone to recurring respiratory infections and the occasional semiannual bout with bronchitis and/or pneumonia, so it never crossed our minds to have me tested because we assumed all of the problems were due to just that). Instead, I was given a rescue inhaler and diagnosis by a doctor a few years ago because my O2 sat dropped low enough one night at work to where my charge nurse had to give me an emergency breathing treatment with stock supplies, and I was forbidden to go back to work until I'd seen someone about it. Since I had confirmed improvement of O2 sats with the nebulizer, I was given a rescue inhaler and the asthma tag, and it definitely helps bring me back to my baseline for breathing when I use it, but my baseline is already poor to begin with.

But I digress! The CDC mentions that people with breathing problems shouldn't wear face coverings, but what do they consider to be breathing problems? Does asthma count? Does it not count? Does it only count if you legitimately can't breathe in a mask? How do you demonstrate this if your city/county starts requiring face coverings--carry a face covering, put it on and wait to go blue in the face so they tell you nevermind? Do I tell them I have asthma? Do I tell them "hi, my breathing passages are a piece of crap, and I have impaired breathing when my face is covered but no actual diagnosis other than asthma?" I jest, but seriously, what should I be doing?

I have been on a weekly allergy immunotherapy since SEP2019, does that affect my immune system or does it suppress my immune system in any way that would make me susceptible to corona virus more than someone who has regular seasonal allergies?

Kathy P posted:

Hi Zachary and welcome.

Thank you for reiterating that asthma medicines are not protective in any way against the novel coronavirus that causes COVD-19. It is important for anyone with asthma to continue to take their medicine as directed to keep their asthma well controlled.

 

Hello, I suggest you read this:  Japan study shows inhaled corticosteroids is effective at inhibiting SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19) viral reproduction.  They are NOT effective against MERS, influenza, and other retroviruses.

https://www.biorxiv.org/conten...11.987016v1.full.pdf

Japan and Korea are doing trials of Alvesco inhaler for treatment of mild COVID-19 respiratory issues.

https://geneonline.news/en/202...o-to-fight-covid-19/

Tytania posted:

Zachary posted:

Collin S Magnuson posted:

Albuterol inhalers, nebulizers and other asthma treatments may significantly strengthen the lungs and help symptoms of Coronavirus and fight off the infection faster. Even people without asthma could use asthma treatments to fight corona virus.

You are going to get people killed! Do not use a nebulizer. The only time you should use it is if you have asthma and you live alone. 1. It does not "fight it off" 2. A nebulizer makes the virus into an aerosol that now has extraordinarily bigger infecton radius. If you are not a pulmonologist do not give advice you will hurt people

actually they do give nebulizers to other people besides those who have asthma , people with COPD and Bronchitis often get them too. And you do not need to live alone to use one. he is not getting people killed. you are grossly over reacting. sometimes if people do not use one they will die of either a COPD flare or an asthma attack. You can use one at home as stated from a professional above as long as you are in your own space in the house alone or where there is a huge space that is well ventilated but preferably alone at this time. wow 

The use of nebulizers (specifically nebulizers) can increase the risk of infection of those around you if you are ill, because of aerosolization. Depending on who's around you, infection can be deadly. Continue to follow your normal asthma routine as doctors recommend, but if you fall ill and you use a nebulizer, make sure you know the risk to those around you and prepare yourselves accordingly. Many hospitals have stopped using nebulizers in COVID-19 patients for this reason. It may help you, but it might make another person sick. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk. 

 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32077661/

Zachary posted:

Collin S Magnuson posted:

Albuterol inhalers, nebulizers and other asthma treatments may significantly strengthen the lungs and help symptoms of Coronavirus and fight off the infection faster. Even people without asthma could use asthma treatments to fight corona virus.

You are going to get people killed! Do not use a nebulizer. The only time you should use it is if you have asthma and you live alone. 1. It does not "fight it off" 2. A nebulizer makes the virus into an aerosol that now has extraordinarily bigger infecton radius. If you are not a pulmonologist do not give advice you will hurt people

actually they do give nebulizers to other people besides those who have asthma , people with COPD and Bronchitis often get them too. And you do not need to live alone to use one. he is not getting people killed. you are grossly over reacting. sometimes if people do not use one they will die of either a COPD flare or an asthma attack. You can use one at home as stated from a professional above as long as you are in your own space in the house alone or where there is a huge space that is well ventilated but preferably alone at this time. wow 

Hi Zachary and welcome.

Thank you for reiterating that asthma medicines are not protective in any way against the novel coronavirus that causes COVD-19. It is important for anyone with asthma to continue to take their medicine as directed to keep their asthma well controlled.

We do recommend that inhalers be used at this time if possible, but some people may need to use a nebulizer for their medicine. We asked this question of our medical advisor and it is included in the blog:

If I use a nebulizer at home, could it spread the coronavirus through the air (even if I don't know if I have it)? (New)

If you need to take quick-relief medicine (such as albuterol) for an asthma episode, use an inhaler if possible. Using a nebulizer can increase the risk of sending virus particles in the air if you are sick. But if you have a nebulizer and solution, it is OK to use it to treat an asthma episode. When using a nebulizer, limit the number of people in the room or use it in a room by yourself.

The biggest risk to people with asthma is not treating asthma symptoms when needed at home. This can lead to visits to overcrowded emergency rooms with no hospital beds. Uncontrolled asthma is a much higher risk to your health than COVID-19.

Collin S Magnuson posted:

Albuterol inhalers, nebulizers and other asthma treatments may significantly strengthen the lungs and help symptoms of Coronavirus and fight off the infection faster. Even people without asthma could use asthma treatments to fight corona virus.

You are going to get people killed! Do not use a nebulizer. The only time you should use it is if you have asthma and you live alone. 1. It does not "fight it off" 2. A nebulizer makes the virus into an aerosol that now has extraordinarily bigger infecton radius. If you are not a pulmonologist do not give advice you will hurt people

More testing and measurements is needed as soon as possible. Some of us have severe "shortness of breath" inside public facilities like urgent care and Costco if we touch Clorox disinfecting wipes without gloves.

Who is measuring VOC levels in NY VS CA. Look at COVID-19 Deaths in CA Vs NYC? 

#Cleanairmatters

#MeasureVOCS/QACS

Lara posted:

It really bothers me that these tables always say there are no aches and pains for allergy sufferers.  There are for some of us!

what bothers me also is that and that this chart said that we do not get shortness of breath with seasonal allergies and that is just not truth! I have been in an asthma group for ten years and I know several of the people and they all get shortness of breathe like I do with seasonal allergies.

okay just a question but how do you all figure that people with asthma do not get shortness of breath? I know tons of people with it ,including myself and we all get shortness of breath! this is not a correct statement to say people with asthma seasonal allergies etc do not get short of breath , because we in fact do. honestly the symptoms of Covid-19 are so vague it is scary for people with lung issues because we have those symptoms often except for fever, and for me with lupus etc (and other diseases) I get a fever sometimes , at least once a week and I cough all the timefrom COPD and asthma , this chart is not very helpful for someone like me.

i’m 16 years old working as a cashier. I have mild asthma which is well controlled and have never been in icu or anything serious. there’s about 1,200 cases in my province and i live in the main city area. should i continue to go to work? they have put up plexiglass and provided masks and gloves but i feel it is not enough. i’ve only worked around 400 hours so i don’t qualify for EI and i don’t want to lose my job. i’m not sure if i qualify to take a leave of absence for 6 months and i’m not sure what to do. i also take public transit to work but it is not too crowded. i feel the customers don’t respect my space enough and come too close/go around the plexiglass. my parents are encouraging me to not go anymore. what are my options?? please help!

PJ_55 posted:

My MD said I should get them every 2 weeks, but they were not wearing masks last week when I went.  They are allowing for waiting in the car, however.

i am trying to decide if I should keep my appointment next week, and was wondering what this organization position on the subject.

Hi @PJ_55 - thanks for your comment. 

As I shared with BbL, it is best to ask your doctor if skipping a dose is OK, or is there a chance your asthma may become uncontrolled. Right now, we all want to make sure our asthma is as well controlled as possible in case we do get sick. Asking if they have increased their protocols to protect staff and patients since your last visit may help you decide if you should go or skip this week. 

Please check out my response to BbL that links to a journal article on if/when you should keep your appointments. 

Keep us posted!

Lorene 

BbL posted:

My daughter (11 yrs old and homeschooled since last year due to illness) is scheduled to have her Xolair shots tomorrow. She takes two shots every two weeks. She has sever asthma and allergy. Today they called to make sure anyone in the family is not having any kind of symptoms related to coronavirus. I'm scared to take her. What happens IF she doesn't take her shots until after the Apex/curve is flatten? Help. Mom in need.

Hi @BbL - we totally understand the concern you are feeling. Below are few things to consider that I hope will help:

A recent journal article: COVID-19: Pandemic Contingency Planning for the Allergy and Immunology Clinic states that most asthma and allergy visits can be delayed or conducted by telehealth until the pandemic is over, except for patients with primary immunodeficiency, severe asthma, or are on venom immunotherapy. Feel free to share the article with your daughter's healthcare team. 

My recommendation is to talk to your daughter's doctor and ask what are the risks of skipping a dose and waiting 2+ weeks versus the chances of contracting COVID-19 in the office. Even missing 1 dose of Xolair may lead to poor asthma control, and it is really important to keep her asthma well controlled right now.

It's reassuring that they are asking about symptoms, but we do know that the virus is being spread by those who have yet to experience symptoms. 

It is very possible that the doctor's office has put protocols into place to ensure social distancing, staff using PPE (if available), extra disinfecting, etc. Ask your doctor's office how the visit will be handled to ensure you and your daughter are as safe as possible. This will help you make an informed decision. 

Let us know what you decide! 

Lorene