Asthma Does Not Appear To Increase The Risk Of COVID-19: Study
Faizan Hashmi Published September 21, 2020 | 10:40 PM
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Sep, 2020 ) :Asthma does not appear to increase the risk for a person contracting COVID-19 or affect its severity, according to new research.
The team from Rutgers University in the US found that people with asthma - even those with diminished lung function who are being treated to manage asthmatic inflammation - seem to be no worse affected by SARS-CoV-2 than a non-asthmatic person.
"Older age and conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and obesity are reported risk factors for the development and progression of COVID-19," said Reynold A. Panettieri Jr, a pulmonary critical care physician and director of the Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science.
However, asthma is not yet proven as one such risk factor.
"There is limited data as to why this is the case -- if it is physiological or a result of the treatment to manage the inflammation," said Panettieri Jr in a paper published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
However, studies have shown that steroids may decrease the body's immune response and worsen the inflammatory response, Medical Daily reported .
Children and young adults with asthma suffer mainly from allergic inflammation, while older adults who experience the same type of airway inflammation can also suffer from eosinophilic asthma -- a more severe form.
In addition, an enzyme attached to the cell membranes in the lungs, arteries, heart, kidney and intestines that has been shown to be an entry point for SARS-CoV-2 into cells is increased in response to the virus.
"This enzyme is also thought to be beneficial in clearing other respiratory viruses, especially in children. How this enzyme affects the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect people with asthma is still unclear," study said.
Recent Stories
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leav ..
More Stories From Pakistan
-
Naval Chief participates in 19th Western Pacific Naval Symposium in China
6 hours ago -
Int'l symposium addresses capacity building for safe, environmentally sound ship recycling in Pakist ..
6 hours ago -
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
7 hours ago -
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
7 hours ago -
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
7 hours ago -
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
7 hours ago
-
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil Rights in South Asia ..
8 hours ago -
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
8 hours ago -
Pakistan embassy organizes scholarship award ceremony in Kathmandu
8 hours ago -
SC to hear case pertaining IHC judges' letter on April 30
8 hours ago -
SC orders removal of barriers outside buildings in Karachi
8 hours ago -
PFA launches crackdown, impose fine for selling expired drinks, food items
8 hours ago