In coronavirus infection, fever, cough and shortness of breath are observed. These symptoms are not always associated and may indicate different severity of involvement.
Cough is the most common manifestation of viral infection and usually persists throughout the day.
On the other hand, in patients with allergic asthma, exacerbations are observed at certain times of the day, when going outdoors if it is due to pollen, when getting up and at night in case of mite sensitization.
The second important symptom is fever, which is usually high (38-39ºC), and can be associated with muscle pain (myalgia) and bone pain. Fever is a differentiating symptom of allergy, since only in very extreme cases of intense allergy to pollens patients may present febrile fever (37º C).
The third important symptom is dyspnea or shortness of breath, which manifests progressively and constantly and can be associated with a rapid progression of the disease, when associated with chest tightness, confusion and cyanosis or blue lips.
These patients should be rushed to the hospital emergency department.
At present, it has not been observed that patients with allergy correspond to the risk group where COVID-19 infection develops a worse course.
The group of patients with the highest risk of complications are those of older age, from 60 years onwards, increasing progressively with each decade of age.
Complications derived from the coronavirus are more accentuated among smokers. Other factors associated with a poor evolution due to coronavirus are:
- Severe obesity.
- Hypertension.
- Diabetes.
- Cardiac diseases
- Chronic lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis.
- Immunosuppressed or cancer patients.
- Pregnant women, although fetal transmission has not been observed.
What precautions should asthmatic patients take?
In asthmatic patients, no worse evolution in coronavirus infection has been reported. However, it is important that their lung function is close to normal.
For that reason, asthmatic patients should be treated strictly, as it is known that respiratory infections, especially viral infections, are associated with increased respiratory symptoms leading to poor asthma control.
Can patients with ocular and nasal itching promote infection by touching their face?
It has been described that the route of entry and infection of the virus is concentrated in the mouth, nose and eyes. We can be contaminated by talking through proximity by droplets where the virus can be found, and through hand contact.
Allergic patients, when exposed to the allergen or agent that causes symptoms, develop symptoms such as itching, nasal mucus, tearing, which leads to frequently directing the hands to the face. To avoid these involuntary acts, the dose of antihistamines should be increased (up to 2-3 times a day) to avoid these sources of infection through hand contact.
It is also important to wash hands with soap or hydroalcoholic gels frequently, use a mask when in a closed place and in proximity to other people.
In cases of allergic patients with symptoms, treatment with antihistamines should be administered at the necessary doses to avoid scratching and nasal and ocular symptoms, use tissues to clean the nose and eyes.
If symptoms persist, antihistamines or nasal corticosteroids can also be used to reduce secretions and eye washes with saline and local ocular antihistamines.