‘Best you can do is keep asthma under control’

Chaitanya Deshpande | TNN | May 5, 2020, 04:27 IST

Nagpur: There has been confusion among asthma patients about use of inhalers during Covid-19 situation. Pulmonologist Dr Rajesh Swarnakar, who is national secretary of Indian Chest Society (ICS), cleared all confusions and spoke about how asthmatic should take care during current times.
Q: Do you think Asthma patients are at higher risk for Covid-19?
A: Currently there is no evidence of increased Covid-19 infection rates among those with asthma. However, there is an estimation that states that patients with moderate-severe asthma could be at greater risk for more severe disease. But there are no published data to support this.
Q: Is it advisable for asthmatics to continue using their inhaler during Covid-19 pandemic?
A: Patients with asthma should never stop taking their corticosteroid inhaler unless asked to do so by their doctor. Stopping inhaler could put patient at higher risk of complications. In current pandemic, the best thing a person with asthma can do is to keep the asthma under control.
Q: What will you suggest to those who fear using inhalers?
A: Stopping inhaler will put person at risk of asthma exacerbation. In current situation, such patients can land in ICU or urgent care, where they have much higher risk of being exposed to someone with an Covid-19 infection. So, in a way, using inhalers and keeping asthma under control will save you from exposure to viral infections.
Q: What should be done to ensure the inhaler does not get infected?
A: Never share inhalers with others. Wash the devices regularly to keep them hygienic and clean.
Q: Should asthmatics avoid going to medical centres or hospitals?
A: If asthma is under control, avoid visiting hospital. You can contact your doctor telephonically. If absolutely necessary, take prior appointment and visit. Asthmatics should avoid making any unscheduled visits to the clinic.
Q: What should people with asthma do if they have symptoms of fever and cough?
A: Though asthma is associated with cough and breathlessness, fever is unusual. In such a situation, asthmatic must immediately consult the doctor. Mere cough and breathlessness is not Covid-19. So there is no need to fear.
Q: Do you think current situation can become dangerous for Asthma patients?
A: I think situation may not be as grim as we see. We should not panic. The fact is 85% of Covid-19 cases recover on their own. Only 15% require hospital admission, 5% require ICU care, and 3% - the elderly and those with co-morbidities— face the highest risk. But it may be noted that asthma deaths in India are highest in the world although we rank fourth in total asthma burden. Death in asthma mostly occurs during attack when it is kept uncontrolled due to habit of discontinuing inhalers once a person feels good. So, we must work towards good breathing by good asthma control.