Managing Allergies and Asthma During the Pandemic

This post was written by Heather Willison, MSN, FNP-C, PPG – Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. 

In recent weeks, we have fielded many calls and MyChart messages concerning COVID-19, and how this pertains to the management of allergy and asthma symptoms. The American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology recently released this statement:

With the COVID-19 pandemic coinciding with the Spring allergy season, you may be concerned about using your intranasal corticosteroids for nasal allergies and your inhaled corticosteroids for your asthma. There is no data that continuing these allergy and asthma medications will have any effect on increasing your risk of getting the COVID-19 infection or if you get the infection, lead to a worse outcome. It is important to control your allergy and asthma symptoms as they may lead to misdiagnosis of COVID-19 as there is some overlap of symptoms.

The main symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough or shortness of breath. Patients with these symptoms may call 1-877-PPG-TODAY for a free screening, and to be directed to the appropriate clinic.

The following symptom comparison chart may be helpful:

Sources: CDC, WHO, ACAAI

As we are heading into the spring season, it will be common for allergy sufferers to experience more sneezing, nasal drainage, throat irritation and cough due to the rising pollen and mold counts. Poorly controlled allergy symptoms can lead to an increase in asthma symptoms. Now, more than ever, it is important that patients with a history of allergies and asthma maintain control of their symptoms.

Please contact your allergist or primary care provider, who manages your allergy and asthma medications, and request refills of your medications. Also, don’t hesitate to share that finances are an issue. Sometimes we’re able to share samples to help short-term or direct you to where you can get the biggest bang for your buck. Please note, there is a national shortage of albuterol inhalers right now. So, out of concern for your neighbors, friends and those you have never met, please do not stockpile these.  There is no shortage of albuterol nebulizer solution.  

Remember, we are all in this together and we are here to help you. All Parkview Physicians Group providers are now offering telemedicine visits, both via a telephone call or a “virtual” visit through the MyChart app.