Impact of COVID-19 on asthma control in Kirkuk City: an analysis of post-pandemic trends

J Med Life. 2024 Mar;17(3):292-295. doi: 10.25122/jml-2023-0175.

Abstract

Bronchial asthma, a common chronic respiratory disease, should be managed and controlled correctly to prevent symptoms and maintain a good quality of life. Viral upper respiratory infections, especially the widespread COVID-19 virus, can exacerbate asthma. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 severity (mild, moderate, severe) on asthma control compared to a control group without COVID-19. Asthma control was assessed using Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores and spirometry before and after COVID-19 infection. Statistical analysis revealed a significant decline (P = 0.001) in asthma control following mild to moderate COVID-19 recovery, evidenced by increased asthma symptoms, lower ACT scores, difficulty managing asthma, and increased need for asthma medication.

Keywords: Asthma; COVID-19; post-COVID-19 complications.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Asthma* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pandemics
  • Quality of Life
  • SARS-CoV-2*
  • Severity of Illness Index*
  • Spirometry