Bleah, I hate to double post, but apparently it's been too long to edit since I was going back over the article to make sure I didn't miss anything. At any rate, just off the top of my head, I notice the following issues with this study (given the information presented in the blog; mayhaps the actual study addresses these?): 1) Number of participants: 223 2) The study was entirely self-report -- no control groups, no accounting for bias, wasn't double-blind, etc. etc. The article makes it...
I use Advair 250/50 to control my asthma. The cost of this inhaler, even the generic one is over a hundred dollars. By the time rent , recurring bills and food are paid for I’m lucky to afford 5 of my 7 medications let alone all 7! Prices are out of control! Pricing for drugs must be affordable. I have gone months without my asthma medication and it is very scary!
Hi @Azmtick - those are all great questions! Many long-term controller or preventative medicine inhalers do contain an inhaled corticosteroid. These prevent and reduce airway swelling. They also reduce mucus in the lungs. They are the most effective long-term control medicines available. It's important to keep taking your controller medicine even when you don't have symptoms because they prevent asthma symptoms. Stopping your controller medicine may increase your asthma symptoms and the risk...
I can't find any information anywhere about patients with asthma (specifically) and COVID-19 mortality rates. I am a relatively healthy individual with mild but persistent allergy triggered asthma. My singulair seems to keep it under control. I've had the flu twice this season (different strains) with no complications. But, I am curious, so these are my questions: I've heard that the jury is still out on what exactly causes respiratory complications from viruses in people with asthma. Some...
Distributed via the CDC Health Alert Network February 28, 2020, 1505 ET (3:05 PM ET) Update and Interim Guidance on Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Summary The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to closely monitor and respond to the COVID-19 outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. This CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) Update provides updated guidance on evaluating and testing persons under investigation (PUIs) for COVID-19. It supersedes...
I’m not sure the flu comparison is terribly helpful here. There is a flu vaccine which at least keeps some types of flu at bay, if not all. Despite the fact that we are generally familiar with coronaviruses, there is much we still don’t know about this one. For example, there seem to be indicators that people are spreading the virus while asymptomatic, but no one is sure how. If this is indeed the case, then that makes infection control much more difficult. I’m worried about my baby. She’s...
Thank you for the updates! Super helpful! I just wanted to point out that the one study that found no to link to increased risk of complications in persons with asthma also didn't study anyone with asthma. Ie none of the 140 had (or knew they had) asthma. I think that's an important detail. The wording of the study itself, concerning asthma and allergic diseases, is misleading until you read the whole thing. Two patients had COPD and they both had grim outcomes. Take what you want from that,...
Absolutely agree with you on this. That study is not particularly helpful and I’m unclear ho they came to the conclusion they did without the direct study of asthmatics. It’s hard not to panic.
I have asthma but it is well controlled with medication. My 4 year old son also has mild asthma that is typically aggravated by colds. He is too young for control medications at least based on his pattern of symptoms. He uses a nebulizer when he is sick. We are traveling in a few weeks and I am very concerned about him. I am trying not to be paranoid but, it is hard when so little is known. He is 4 so handwashing is a constant battle. I feel like I should put a mask on him at least on the...
Hi @AG - I don't blame you for being concerned for your little one. According to the CDC, there is no evidence that children are more susceptible to the virus. In fact, most confirmed cases reported from China have been in adults. The CDC says "Children and their family members should engage in usual preventive actions to prevent the spread of respiratory infections, including covering coughs, cleaning hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and staying up to date on...
@Argos1w - Because this is a new virus, researchers are still collecting data about the risk for people with asthma. Keeping your asthma under control reduces the risk of complications from any type of respiratory illness.
How old is your child? Both of my children displayed symptoms of asthma around age 2. They were both put on preventative medication. This was not easy to accomplish as the newer standards require them to be older then 4. If they are around that age group I would suggest getting very involved with their pediatrician. Simple cases of bronchiolitis had my children staying in children’s hospital for days. (Each visit was to the tune of 24k, for them to supply oxygen) This was extremely...
He is 4.5. He has had bronchiolitis multiple times. He has never been hospitalized but each bout seems to get a little worse. It also seems to take him longer to recover. Often when I’ve taken him in to the doctor, although he has a lot of mucus, there’s no wheezing. I was rushed to the hospital multiple times as a child with blue lips. This is one of my biggest fears with him. Thankfully we have never experienced this. I’ve been on prednisone many times in the past with respiratory...
I wouldn’t worry too much he may be at risk but if he has not been hospitalized for it before it may not make thing much worse then if he had no history. I would invest in a pulse oximeter though, they are surprisingly inexpensive. They can make sure he is getting enough oxygen and cut down on unnecessary visits to the doctor.
Hi @Collin S Magnuson , asthma medicines reduce swelling inside the airways, relax muscles that tighten around the airway and reduce excess mucus that clogs the airways. They actually reduce or stop these changes in your airway from happening, but unfortunately do not strengthen them. Taking your medications as prescribed is key to helping your asthma stay under control even when you get an infection or virus. When people without lung disease get a respiratory infection, asthma treatments...
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...
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