Data Say It’s Time to Stop Assuming Asthma Patients Are at Greater Risk with COVID-19

As time goes on and more is understood about the secondary effects of coronavirus, many patients are shocked to discover that they’re at greater risk than they thought. Some, however, can breathe a sigh of relief upon learning that their situation may not be as dire as they had been led to believe. Patients with asthma fall into the latter category, as new research published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine reveals that having asthma does not confer increased risk for severe disease in patients infected with COVID-19. Given that some patients with asthma are likely to present to urgent care centers, especially at a time when they may be concerned about visiting too many healthcare providers, it is essential for urgent care providers to understand the nuances of patients experiencing an asthma attack. For a refresher on such presentations, read Assessment and Management of Asthma Exacerbation in Urgent Care: Part 1 and Part 2 in the JUCM archives.