Summary:
A study conducted in a tertiary care center Dubai, UAE in the by Prof Dr. Syed Arshad Husain currently working as the senior Consultant Pulmonologist at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai two years ago with other eminent team of healthcare professionals, including Prof Bassam Mehboob senior Consultant Pulmonologist at Rashid Hospital (DHA) Dubai.
Prof. Dr. Syed Arshad Husain, Consultant Pulmonologist ,Al Zahra Hospital Dubai
This research study was published on November 9, 2023, in the peer-reviewed international medical journal Cureus.This is the first study of its nature within the Middle Eastern region in the United Arab Emirates featuring a diversified population with an exceptional vaccination rate approaching almost 100 %
The study suggested that a significant number of people who have recovered from COVID-19 may still, develop long-term breathing problems that are likeasthma or similar
The study focused on patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and later returned to the hospital clinic with symptoms such as a cough, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
In the study, there were a total of 76 patients, including39patients with post-COVID symptoms with absent history of asthma or other respiratory illnesses in the past, and 37patients with known asthma with absent history of prior COVID-19 infection or other respiratory illnesses.
Both the groups of Asthma and post COVID Asthma patients reported common respiratory symptoms like a cough, wheeze, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
To differentiate between the groups, doctors conducted several key assessments.This included the Spirometrytest, a simple breathing test to see how well the lungs are working. The team also measured FeNO values, which is the amount of exhaled nitric oxide in a person’s breath that can indicate inflammation or allergy in the airways.
Finally, blood samples were taken to measure serum IgE and Eosinophil counts. High levels of both can be signs of airways allergies and inflammation. By analyzing these tests and comparing the reported symptoms, the study aimed to highlight the similarities but also differences between the two patient populations
However, the study did find some key differences. Patients who had asthma with absent history of prior COVID-19 infection were more likely to complain about wheezing, among other symptoms.
The study also found differences inFeNO values, andeosinophil counts between both cohorts, suggesting that while the symptoms findings are similar, the underlying biology might not be entirely the same
Perhaps most importantly, the study found that these post-COVID patients experienced significant relief from their symptoms after being treated with standard asthma (Inhaled Corticosteroids in combination of Long-Acting Beta Agonists ICS/LABA) inhalers, like the Asthma cohorts of patients.
This suggests that the same treatments used for asthma might be effective for managing these long-term breathing issuesi.e cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, even a wheeze after a COVID-19 infection.
For individuals who continue to struggle with their breathing long after a COVID-19 infection, seeking medical attention is a critical first step.
This approach is essential for understanding the long-term impact of the virus on the respiratory system and for finding effective treatments to improve breathing and overall quality of life