Impact of COVID-19 on COPD and Asthma admissions and the pandemic from a patient's perspective

Sykes, Dominic L; Faruqi, Shoaib; Holdsworth, Luke; Crooks, Michael G

Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients are considered at increased risk of dying from COVID-19 and were therefore subject to UK government shielding advice. While this may have protected against respiratory viruses; adverse effects, including reduced physical activity, social isolation, and increasing anxiety have been recognised consequences [3]. Airways disease management is multidisciplinary and there may also be pervasive deleterious effects due to suspension of clinical services including out-patient clinics, smoking cessation support, and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) [4]. A recent national survey found that up to 23% of patients with lung conditions have experienced worsening symptoms during the pandemic [5].