In December 2019, a novel respiratory illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first described and named COVID-19. Although the knowledge base surrounding COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 has multiplied, significant gaps in our knowledge remain, and inaccurate information is circulating. This review will discuss the interaction between asthma and COVID-19 to provide a comprehensive understanding of the currently available published data.
HCoVs are a significant cause of asthma exacerbations, but SARS-CoV-2 does not appear to exacerbate asthma. Data thus far strongly suggest that patients with asthma are at no increased risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 or more severe disease if infected with COVID-19. Although limited data is available on inhaled corticosteroids and biologic medications, there remain no data suggesting that these therapeutics positively or negatively impact the severity or outcome of COVID-19.
The found data are rapidly evolving regarding COVID-19 and asthma. At present, asthma does not appear to positively or negatively affect outcomes of COVID-19; however, practitioners must keep abreast of the changing literature as we await a vaccine and control of this pandemic.
