COVID 19 is the biggest medical threat to the world, at present. Unlike asthma which affects the airways and causes inflammation, COVID-19 causes an inflammatory process inside the lung tissues. Asthma, unlike COVID-19, causes bronchial infection. A body’s immune response is set in motion as soon as the body contracts a respiratory virus. Keeping in mind the deadliness of the disease, patients suffering from asthma must keep inhalers, like Asthalin, handy. Patients can buy Asthalin inhaler from online stores during the lockdown period.

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) confirmed that people with chronic asthma are more likely to get affected by COVID-19 and that people with asthma should be extra cautious as other strains of the virus can worsen asthma. AAFA also insisted on being careful, owing to the fact that research data is limited. Consultant pulmonologist, Dr Parthasarathy Bhattacharya, residing in India, too added that although there is not enough data present that can confirm the fact that Asthma patients are more prone to COVID-19, it must be kept in mind that patients with co-morbidities like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease are more susceptible to any kind of infectious disease including COVID-19. According to Dr Prashant Chhajed, Director of Lung Care and Sleep Centre, Mumbai, if a patient who has asthma is infected with the coronavirus, asthma will get accelerated.

According to a recently released statement on the 12th of March, 2020, by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology(ACAAI), patients who have severe asthma, immunodeficiency , and other chronic conditions in which the immunity system of the body is at risk, are more prone to increased morbidity from any viral infection in general. ACAAI advised following the same in case of COVID-19 as well. Keeping this fact in mind, patients who have asthma must not refrain from in taking their exact dosage of medication even during the pandemic. Keeping asthma symptom control is one of the best ways for asthma patients to combat COVID-19. People who have asthma must keep their symptom under control by regular use of an inhaler like the Asthalin. Owing to the lockdown, Patients struggling to get one can try buying Asthalin inhaler from online stores as well.

Though there are very limited source available, persons who have asthma must avoid the potential use of substances that might trigger asthma. Some of asthma triggering substances may include the following-

• Tobacco
• Alcohol or food additives like sulphites
• Stress
• Exhausting activities like exercise
• Acid reflux
• Dust or pollen grains
• Pets specially dogs and cats
• Pollution
• Strong fragrance
• Extreme weather climate

While avoiding asthma triggering substances may lower the risk of getting infected by the coronavirus, it fails to serve enough to remove the chance of getting COVID-19, especially for asthma patients. Along with avoiding the above-mentioned substances, other precautions must be maintained. Some of the precautions to be followed include-

• washing hand with soap frequently at regular interval 
• Sanitising hands frequently using alcohol-based hand rub
• Covering the mouth and the nose tightly with a tissue or handkerchief while coughing and sneezing
• Throwing used tissues in a covered bin
•  avoid touching mouth and eyes with unwashed hands
• Disinfecting surfaces that might come in contact frequently
• Avoiding contact with infected persons, or persons have fever, cough and cold
• Maintaining social distances  
• Avoiding crowded places like a mosque, temple, market place, etc.
• Avoid touching surface; others have touched
• Taking the regular dosage of medicine ( inhalers are a must in case of asthma patients)
• Keeping the immunity system strong
• Drinking plenty of water
• Practising social isolation in case symptom of fever, headache or cold is visible
• Getting adequate rest and doing works that do not cause tiredness( especially in case of an asthma patient)

Although people who have asthma are at a higher risk, it must be kept in mind that according to a study carried out in Wuhan, China, no asthma patient was to be found out of 140 patients who were being attacked by the Corona Virus. European Lung Foundation (ELF) on the other hand, has notified about a very few cases of asthma patients being suffering from COVID-19. In the UK, people with asthma who are being attacked by the deadly coronavirus are showing a speedy recovery. However, this must be kept in mind that researches are very limited right now, and nothing can be the best than staying alert. Asthma patient must continue their basic dose of medication, one of which includes the Asthalin inhaler from online stores and must refrain from using things that might trigger asthma.

Although this is bad news, but there is no story in it. Patients of asthma are having some of the symptoms that COVID 19 patients do have. It is a fact that COVID 19 patients do face the choking of their lungs, and that is the major part of the virus effect. For an asthma patient, the same is the regular event, and hence a patient of asthma is always a vulnerable one to develop the Coronavirus in him or her. That is why it is very much a recommendation that if you are an asthma patient, then immediately contact your physician and get suggestions from him in order to prevent the worst happening from coming true. In fact, his is the only way that can protect you under this condition. So do not make a delay by any means and do the needful.

Once you will be protected from asthma, you will definitely be protected out of the COVID 19, but remember to protect yourself from others by means of self distancing. However, at the same time be kind to others and also remain helpful to the extreme. Keep everyone well enough, so that the full population can see the dawn together.

Read Also

How To Make Yourself Throw Up Easily? 10 Simple Ways

5 Nebulizing Essential Oil Diffusers By Organic Aromas

Americano VS Coffee; Which One Is Good For Health And Why