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The aggressiveness and high degree of transmission of the new coronavirus have scared countries around the world. But respiratory problems, such as asthma and allergies, should receive special attention at this time of year in Brazil. The country is entering the months that generally have the highest number of respiratory diseases. “Other respiratory diseases can weaken patients, especially the elderly, people with comorbidities and immunocompromised people,” warns Marta de Ftima’s doctor.
“In the autumn and winter seasons there is an increase in the frequency of viral (flu and cold) and bacterial infections, such as tonsillitis, otitis, sinusitis, as well as an increase in asthma attacks and worsening allergic rhinitis”, explains Dr. Marta de Ftima Rodrigues da Cunha Guidacci, member of the Health Policy Commission of the Brazilian Allergy and Immunology Association (Asbai).
Amid a pandemic, many seek medical attention because they believe they are on Covid-19, while in fact it could be other respiratory illnesses. Infectologist Gilberto Nogueira, who works at the Santa Luzia Hospital, reports that this confusion occurs because the coronavirus infection can present itself from mild symptoms, common in any cold, to severe cases of viral pneumonia and severe respiratory difficulties.
According to the doctor, the important thing is to know that when you have a common cold with mild symptoms, even if it is due to the new coronavirus, you should avoid seeking health services. “It is essential for people to know which groups are at risk and what the warning signs are to seek medical attention,” he warns. Attention should be redoubled in cases of fever for more than 48 hours, shortness of breath, labored breathing, pale or bluish skin, nausea, and vomiting. Or excessive drowsiness, in the case of children and the elderly.
Risk groups
The risk group includes people over the age of 60 or who have some comorbidity, such as diabetes and hypertension, who are not under control or breathing problems. In this case, the most serious are pulmonary emphysema and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). People with bronchitis, including asthmatics, are also at risk. “This is why it is so important to know when to seek medical attention. People with asthma and allergies should pay special attention if the symptoms they experience are different from the usual ones or if they show warning signs, “says Nogueira.
The good news is that several regions, not just in Brazil, but around the world, are showing improvement in air quality. This is due to the reduction of contamination, which helps to alleviate or prevent respiratory problems, responsible for a large number of patients in hospital emergencies. “We are having less exposure to the factors that trigger or worsen allergic and infectious problems, especially those of the upper and lower respiratory tract,” says the doctor.
»Two questions for
infectious disease Gilberto Nogueira, Santa Luzia Hospital
Do asthma and allergies need special attention due to the coronavirus during this period?
Yes, attention is always necessary. We are entering the period when we generally have the highest number of respiratory illnesses. For this reason, knowing when to seek medical attention is very important. People with asthma and allergies should pay special attention to their symptoms, whether they feel different than usual or show warning signs.
Is it possible that Covid-19 is combined with another respiratory disease? What are the consequences of this for the patient’s health?
Yes, we call it coinfection. This combination can occur with other respiratory viruses, but is actually rare. Furthermore, when the individual has a severe respiratory condition of Covid-19, they are more likely to acquire other infections of bacterial origin, which require treatment with antibiotics.
