Kindly explain risk of COVID-19 infection in an asthmatic.

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 33 years old male, I have very mild asthma since my teenage years into my mid 20s. For the past 6 years or so my asthma has been very rare, maybe once every couple of months, but now it seems to be coming more recently active after doing yard work or exercise but no medicines needed as symptoms would go away on its own. Unfortunately, for the past 3 months I have been getting more symptoms which I assume is due to season and high pollen count. I am now taking Albuterol sulfate as needed and going on my third dose of Symbicort 80/4.5 as of yesterday. My concern is with this coronavirus am I considered high risk with my level of asthma? Is it a good idea to start a corticosteroid like Symbicort or should I be on something more mild? I am considered an "essential mail worker" so I am wondering if I should continue to work. (Side note: my wife is 7 months pregnant on top of all this).

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. According to your statement, you are suffering from childhood asthma which is worsening now due to season and high pollen count and occupational hazards. You should undergo serial measurements of peak expiratory flow/FEV1 (forced expiratory volume) at work and away from work that will determine whether you should go outside for your job or not. You can also undergo RAST (Radioallergosorbent test) that will determine the amount of IgE that reacts specifically with pollens. You have history of atopy and you are on Corticosteroid now and your occupational history suggest that you are immunocompromised now. An immunocompromised person is more vulnerable to Covid 19 or Coronavirus . If you are attacked by Coronavirus , it will be a life threatening condition as your respiratory tracts are weak and history of repeated respiratory tract infections recently. It is also very contagious too. So from you it can be spread to your wife and your unborn child which is life threatening to both of them. If you are feeling better with your current medication, you can continue. You can also add nebulization with Albuterol 3 to 4 times daily along with inhaler Albuterol SOS. You should abstain yourself from work and environmental exposure that will be beneficial for you and your family. If any complications occur inform me and I will try to lessen your sufferings.