By Mary O’KEEFE

Some CVW readers have sent in questions concerning COVID-19. When we get your questions we reach out to specialists to get the answers. Below is an answer to a question on what those who have asthma should do during this pandemic.

COVID-19 is a new virus; therefore, there is still data being collected.

“There’s a lot we don’t know about COVID-19 or how it affects asthma patients. However, we know that respiratory viruses, including the ‘common’ strains of coronavirus, can cause asthma exacerbations. So, in the absence of data, common sense tells us that it’s important for patients with asthma to continue their usual controller medications to keep their asthma under good control. These usually include inhaled corticosteroids. These are different from oral or systemic corticosteroids and are not thought to suppress the immune system or make individuals more likely to become infected with respiratory viruses,” said Cindy Xi, M.D. at Keck USC, board-certified in allergy and immunology.

Xi suggests that at the onset of respiratory symptoms asthma patients should use the “yellow zone” of their asthma action plan, if they have one, and contact their healthcare provider to see if additional treatment is required.

There had been some questions as to whether those asthma patients should use their handheld inhalers or nebulizers. A nebulizer is often prescribed to those who have been diagnosed with asthma. A nebulizer is a machine that turns liquid medicine into a fine mist that the patient can inhale through a face mask or mouthpiece. The medicine is put directly into the patient’s lungs.

“The concern about nebulizers is that if they are used by a patient with a respiratory infection, they are capable of aerosolizing droplets containing the virus and therefore allowing the virus to spread more easily to others. [Many] hospitals and other facilities are therefore not using nebulizers [in order] to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses,” she said.

However, if an asthma patient is using the nebulizer at home and can isolate themselves from other individuals in the home, and nebulized therapy is more effective than handheld inhalers, Dr. Xi then suggests the nebulizer continue to be used.

“Asthma care is individualized, and I recommend that individuals with asthma check in with their health care providers to make sure they are utilizing daily controller medications correctly, have sufficient supply of medications and have a plan in place in case asthma symptoms worsen,” she added.

This story was part of the April 3 e-blast sent out by CV Weekly. To be a part of the “blast zone,” call the CVW office at (818) 248-2740 or email Rachelle@cvweekly.com.

  Mary Okeefe